Official Development Assistance: Infectious Diseases

01 Apr

Question

During this session, the focus was on assessing the impact of planned reductions to the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget on efforts to combat infectious diseases. The discourse revolved around the potential consequences of budget cuts, commitments to international health partnerships, and the UK's stance as a leading donor. The dialogue highlighted concerns regarding reduced funding for initiatives like Gavi and their implications for global health.

Key Contributions:

David Davis initiated the discussion, raising concerns on the negative impact of ODA cuts on infectious diseases.
Stephen Doughty, addressing these concerns, highlighted ongoing deliberations as part of the spending review, emphasizing continued commitments to global health programs like Gavi and the Global Fund.
Emily Darlington emphasized Gavi’s role and urged for sustained UK leadership in global health.
Wendy Morton questioned the lack of specific instructions to humanitarian programs amidst uncertainties regarding the budget cuts.

UK’s commitment to immunize 300 million children via Gavi.

Expressed as a success story amidst concerns of future funding shortfalls.

Impact Assessment:

Gavi, a critical immunization initiative, was central to the discussions. Speakers noted its significant achievements in immunizing millions.
Concerns were raised about potential lethal consequences due to reduced funding, with Davis citing figures from Gavi on child fatalities.

37.9 million fewer vaccinations as a potential consequence of budget cuts.

Projected impact based on current ODA reduction plans.

Outcome and Responses: The Minister reaffirmed the ongoing nature of deliberations within the spending review without providing a definitive blueprint or timeline on how ODA reductions would unfold, reiterating the importance of effective spending.

Statistics:

UK’s £1 billion pledged to the Global Fund for 2023-25, aiming to assist in treating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Indication of 37.9 million fewer children being vaccinated and a potential increase in child mortality due to proposed funding adjustments, as per Gavi.

Outcome

The session concluded with reaffirmations of the UK’s continued commitment to global health despite upcoming budget constraints. However, a lack of detailed future allocations left ambiguity around implementation strategies for current health initiatives.

Key Contributions

David Davis

Conservative

Raised concerns about the detrimental impact of planned ODA budget reductions on tackling infectious diseases.

Stephen Doughty

Assured ongoing discussions regarding ODA allocations during the spending review.

Emily Darlington

Labour

Highlighted Gavi's achievements and its importance for the UK’s life sciences sector.

Wendy Morton

Conservative

Questioned the lack of clear guidance for humanitarian aid programs amidst fiscal uncertainties.

Original Transcript

David Davis

Goole and Pocklington

Con

Question

UIN: 903540

7. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned reductions to the official development assistance budget on efforts to tackle infectious diseases.

David Davis

11:52

I agree with the Minister on what he just said, but Gavi says that the changing policy will mean that 37.9 million fewer children will be immunised, which means that over five years, 600,000 will die. How on earth does he live with himself with that policy?

Stephen Doughty

11:52

With the greatest of respect, the right hon. Gentleman will know my record on these important issues, having advocated for them over many years in this place and outside. I do not accept his characterisation. Decisions have not yet been taken; they are being taken as part of the spending review.

He will know that the UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi. We have committed £1.65 billion in the current strategic period up to 2025 and that will make an important impact on children’s lives around the world.

Emily Darlington

Milton Keynes Central

Lab

11:52

Gavi was created very much with the UK as a driving force. It is one of the proudest achievements of the previous Labour Government.

It has immunised almost 2 billion people in the world, and not only is it saving lives but it is important for jobs and work here in the UK in our fantastic life sciences sector. Will the Minister give a commitment that we will continue to be a leading force in Gavi at the replenishment in June?

Stephen Doughty

The Foreign Secretary has been discussing these important issues with the Health and Social Care Secretary. My hon. Friend is right to point out the important role of Gavi, as well as our role in that. The decisions will be set out in due course, but I hear what she and, indeed, other hon.

and right hon. Members are saying on this important issue.

Madam Deputy Speaker

11:53

I call the shadow Minister.

Wendy Morton

Aldridge-Brownhills

Con

11:54

It is very clear from Ministers’ answers that we still have no indication about which programmes and where will be affected by the planned reductions to ODA and from when exactly the cuts will be effective.

We are told to wait for the spending review, but many organisations, including those tackling infectious diseases, are left to face uncertainty and to work at risk.

Will the Minister tell us what instructions have been issued to his Department’s humanitarian aid programmes about what they are expected to do between now and the spending review in June?

Stephen Doughty

We clearly have difficult decisions to make, but the FCDO is not pausing all ODA programming and not creating a cliff edge in this year. We are focusing on ensuring that every pound will be spent in the most impactful way in the new context.

That is a very difficult decision, as the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and I have set out. We will set out the details in due course, but we are listening closely to Members in this House and, indeed, to the many partners and stakeholders we work with on these important issues.

← Official Development Assistance: Refugee Costs West Papua Critical Minerals: Human Rights →

Terms Privacy Data Source

All content derived from official parliamentary records