Developing Countries: Infectious Diseases
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases in developing nations through (a) vaccinations, (b) antiretroviral therapy and (c) other measures.
Answered by Stephen Doughty
The government is committed to global health. It is one of our top priorities in our modernised approach to international development.
Our partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is an essential part of that. On 25 June at the Gavi Replenishment Summit, the Foreign Secretary announced a new investment which will support the immunisation of 62.5 million children and save 1.25 million lives. Our partnership with Gavi - £1.25 billion from 2026 to 2030 - will support the UK's health security and jobs in research and development.
The UK is also a founding member of the Global Fund. It has saved 65 million lives and reduced combined deaths across HIV, TB and malaria by 63 per cent since 2002. The UK's current pledge to the 7th replenishment (2023-25) is expected to save approximately 1.3 million lives and avert 28 million new infections across the three diseases. Amongst other things, this £1 billion funding is expected to provide antiretroviral therapy for 1.8 million people, provide Tuberculosis treatment and care for 1.1 million people and distribute 86 million mosquito nets to protect children and families from malaria.
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