This country has been and always will be open and outward-looking, leading in solving the world's toughest problems and striving to be a force for good in the world. Whether it is stepping up to support desperate Syrians and Yemenis in conflict zones, leading the way in eradicating Ebola and Malaria, or supporting millions of children to gain a decent education. I am proud that UK aid is keeping the UK safe while helping the world’s poorest stand on their own two feet.
I have seen first-hand the impact our aid programmes can achieve, having visited a refugee camp supported by UK Aid in Tanzania. Much of this work safeguards and educates the most vulnerable, especially women and children.
I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of, and one of the largest donors to, the international response to the pandemic. The Government has made available new public commitments worth up to £1.3 billion of ODA to counter the health, economic, and humanitarian impacts of COVID-19 and support the global effort to distribute vaccines equitably. In addition, in 2020, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) adapted programming amounting to more than £700 million.
The FCDO has drawn on its full range of development and diplomatic expertise. Demonstrated, above all, by efforts to set up the international structure that is supporting the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries – the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment – to which the UK is one of the largest bilateral donors, contributing £548 million.
Vaccines aside, the UK has also spent ODA to tackle the humanitarian consequences of the pandemic. In responding to the increased risk of famine, caused in part by COVID-19, for instance, the Foreign Secretary launched a ‘Call to Action’ late last year, which has since resulted in an additional £180 million being provided to more than seven million of the most at risk people in developing countries, helping to alleviate extreme hunger.
The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that investing in global health is one of seven key priorities for ODA spend, upon which approximately £1.3 billion will be spent by the FCDO in 2021/22.
