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The UK has pledged £388 million for vaccines, tests and treatments. British scientists are playing a key role in developing rapid diagnostic devices and working on vaccine trials. The country is also investing over £2 billion towards GAVI to ensure equitable access to vaccines globally. Additionally, the UK is suspending debt service payments to the poorest countries until the end of 2020.
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Acknowledges the frontline workers and emphasises the importance of a strong DFID. Supports the Secretary of State’s commitment to the pledging event on Monday, contributing £388 million towards coronavirus aid. Questions how much of that funding is new and additional money and inquires about steps taken to secure buy-in from countries not participating, such as the US and China. Criticises comments suggesting competition between nations could benefit vaccine development, urging for cooperation instead. Asks what conditions are attached to public funds going towards research, manufacturing tests, vaccines, and medical tools for coronavirus. Raises concerns over reduced shipments of medical supplies due to cost hikes and airline profiteering, asking about steps being taken to alleviate these issues. Welcomes debt relief efforts but asks how legislative options will protect countries from private debt, stressing the importance of considering food insecurity and other health problems during the pandemic. Warns against diverting resources away from global poverty, inequality, and climate change, advocating for a locally led approach in tackling the pandemic.
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Acknowledges Preet Kaur Gill's questions. Provides details on funding allocation, mentioning £276 million for resilience and £380 million towards vaccine development through organisations such as CEPI and FIND. Acknowledges UNICEF statistics on reduced vaccine shipments and promises to follow up with officials regarding this issue. Discusses the pledging event co-hosted by various nations including the UK, highlighting ongoing conversations with USAID about commitments from the US. Emphasises that funding is invested in projects with clear contractual relationships ensuring accessibility for vulnerable countries. Stresses the importance of addressing food insecurity and other health issues such as locust plagues. Defends WHO’s role despite criticisms, noting its legitimacy and experience in global health matters.
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Asks the Secretary of State about criticisms towards the World Health Organisation and whether these critiques are under review. Inquires if there is a re-evaluation in funding for WHO.
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Welcomes measures taken by the UK Government to ensure a multilateral international response but raises concerns about uncontrolled spread of coronavirus in fragile states and refugee camps. Questions if debt repayments for developing countries will be extended beyond 2020 until eradication is confirmed, including private creditors and multilateral institutions in such extensions. Asks how wide-scale vaccination programmes can be rolled out effectively in conflict-ridden areas like Yemen and Syria.
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Welcomed the statement but expressed concern over the impact of the pandemic on the global south, particularly in relation to healthcare. Asked what is being done to support UK NGO organisations and suggested that this could be a time for DFID to develop a global health strategy.
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Responded by acknowledging the importance of addressing broader healthcare issues beyond just immediate pandemic concerns. Emphasised that DFID was working on refreshing its strategy and considering how to direct aid effectively.
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Expressed concern about the potential for a 'biblical' famine due to covid-19 and asked if DFID would commit to making nutrition a core part of its response.
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Confirmed that DFID is committed to preventing and treating malnutrition as part of ending preventable deaths. Stated that the UK remains focused on understanding, tracking, and monitoring the impact of covid-19 on nutrition.
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Quoted the UN Secretary-General to highlight the need for an immediate global response to prevent catastrophic outcomes in fragile states. Asked what further action would be taken by the UK Government.
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Responded that it is essential to appreciate that domestic efforts alone are insufficient and committed to continuing DFID’s programmes and working with multilateral organisations for a coherent and effective response.
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Asked how the Department ensures that partner countries abiding by human rights obligations, especially during times of lockdowns and public health measures.
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Stated that DFID works with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to promote human rights. Highlighted efforts to ensure that the immediate response to covid-19 does not exacerbate conflict but instead builds peace.
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Raised concerns about the closure of borders in African countries affecting humanitarian aid and migrants at borders, questioning what is being done to help people in those conditions.
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Responded by mentioning support through international organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN agencies to ensure supplies reach refugee camps.
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Asked about help being given to Tanzania, where there are accusations of false data regarding the scale of the crisis.
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Responded that misinformation is a challenge and highlighted the importance of supporting Governments in being honest about their needs to secure help through international organisations.
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Cited ONS figures showing that covid-19 hits the poorest hardest, questioning whether this is a time to defund WHO and asking for support in co-ordinating efforts against the pandemic.
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Agreed on the importance of understanding vulnerable groups and supported the WHO’s position, stating that the UK remains committed to it.
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Asked about what is being done in respect of bushmeat and wet markets in China or elsewhere to improve global biosecurity.
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Responded by emphasising the need for strict food hygiene and health standards, supporting WHO’s position that markets should close if these are not met.
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Expressed concern over projects that have lost funding due to non-essential direct debits being stopped. Asked for help in delivering support for such projects.
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Responded by acknowledging the challenge of fundraising and encouraging innovative methods, referencing Captain Moore’s efforts as an example.
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Asked what DFID is doing to safeguard and support Fairtrade supply chains during the pandemic.
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Responded by stating that DFID engages with businesses in UK and developing countries to understand challenges they face. Repurposes programmes to address food insecurity, focusing on the poorest.