Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she is taking steps to increase UK health cooperation with Somaliland to the benefit of the people of Somaliland.

As one of the largest donors to the health sector in Somalia, including Somaliland, the UK is a leading partner, promoting and supporting human and social development. The UK provided £41.8 million of support to the now completed Somali Health and Nutrition programme in Somaliland, focusing on the provision of lifesaving services to the most vulnerable populations, including women and girls.

In addition, through £14 million of yearly support through UNICEF, the UK is funding the Better Lives for Somali Women and Children programme which will begin next year in Somalia, including Somaliland. This new programme will provide life-saving support to reduce the high rates of preventable deaths, combat cross-border threats of infectious diseases, and create lasting health benefits for some of the world's most vulnerable women and children.