Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she has taken to ensure that existing, non-covid-19 related programmes will be continue as far as possible in the Global South; and whether the budget for those programmes will be increased in response to potential increases in capacity and logistical problems as a result of staff-sickness.
DFID programme leads are assessing the impacts of the pandemic on each of our programmes, based on their expert understanding of the delivery context. We have ensured that they have access to advice on how to adapt programmes, including extending end dates and budgets where appropriate, to recognise the challenges that COVID-19 is placing on staff and partners.
I am working with officials to ensure that we balance our support to the COVID-19 response with a need to continue other programmes that are helping deliver the Global Goals and will enable longer-term recovery through rebuilding livelihoods, economies and health systems.