Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether she is taking steps to use the expertise and infrastructure established under (a) the IAVI organisation and (b) other Product Development Partnerships to expedite the development and roll-out of a covid-19 vaccine to (i) vulnerable groups in low- and middle-income countries and (ii) other people.

DFID is working to maximise the development of and roll out of an effective COVID-19 vaccine that is affordable and accessible to low- and middle- income countries. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £210 million of new UK aid funding to the International Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to help develop a vaccine for COVID-19. The UK is now the biggest contributor to CEPI, committing £250 million this year to support the global effort to fight epidemic diseases, including coronavirus. DFID is currently exploring with existing partners, including IAVI and other Product Development Partnerships, on how they too might contribute to our efforts to combat COVID-19.