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Health Services: International Cooperation

Asked by Bell Ribeiro-AddyLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 88821

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of international cooperation in healthcare.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

In our ever more interconnected world, international cooperation is fundamental to driving medical breakthroughs and saving lives. Health challenges such as pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and climate-related impacts do not respect borders. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, international cooperation can overcome limitations faced by individual nations and achieve breakthroughs that benefit patients all over the world, including the United Kingdom.

The Government is committed to collaborating with our international partners and continues to engage with global health institutions, including the World Health Organization. These efforts help build resilient health systems worldwide, reduce preventable deaths and safeguard against shared threats, while supporting UK prosperity through trade and investment in health and life sciences.

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