Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to (a) support international public health and (b) maintain UK biosecurity in response to global outbreaks of (i) Monkeypox, (ii) Ebola and (iii) Cholera.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) collects and analyses information from international sources on disease outbreaks such as monkeypox, Ebola and cholera and through the International Health Regulations National Focal Point mechanism. This information informs travel advice and to mobilise expertise in the United Kingdom to support international responses, if required.

The UKHSA shares data and scientific expertise and deployments of experts with countries or international agencies to increase capacity and provide direct support when needed. The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team can respond to disease outbreaks around the world within 48 hours, deploying directly or through the Global Outbreak and Response Network to tackle threats before health emergencies develop. It also conducts operational research to improve epidemic preparedness.

The UK is involved in the development of the International Pandemic Surveillance Network working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and mobilising the UKHSA’s genomic capacity through the New Variant Assessment Platform. The UKHSA provides technical support and advice to the WHO and also manages Official Development Assistance projects.