Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide state support and aid to less economically developed countries to suppress the transmission of COVID-19.

We are using UK aid to ensure that our assistance reaches the most marginalised and vulnerable people who will be the worst affected by COVID-19. The UK has so far pledged up to £774 million of aid to counter the health, humanitarian and economic risks.

This includes £306 million for supporting health systems and resilience in vulnerable countries, including: £55 million for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement appeals to provide medical supplies, equipment and facilities; £50 million in partnership with Unilever to promote hand and surface hygiene, reaching up to 1 billion vulnerable people; and £20 million to UNICEF to support governments, including provision of water and sanitation for vulnerable children.

We are also working to ensure access to new vaccines, treatments and diagnostics (VTDs) as quickly as possible, including in the world's poorest countries. The Prime Minister was clear that world leaders have a 'moral duty' to ensure that VTDs are truly available to all. We are doing this through our work with international partners including up to £250 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and our initial contribution of £48 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance's, COVAX Advanced Market Commitment.