I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of the global response to Covid-19. There has never been a more important time for us to be out in the world, helping the most vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries and showcasing what the UK has to offer globally in terms of our expertise, our science and our influence to convene an international response.
The UK is one of the biggest donors to the response, so far committing over £1 billion of aid to combat coronavirus and reinforce the global effort on vaccinations. This includes £75 million to the World Health Organisation and a package of £200 million to back UK charities and international organisations to help reduce mass infections in developing countries, which often lack the healthcare systems to track and halt the virus.
The UK is also now the largest single contributor to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI), having committed up to £250 million, which is supporting the development of vaccines that will be available across the world. As well as this, the UK is the largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and hosted the Global Vaccine summit on 4th June, in order to raise vital funds for Gavi, to support their work to protect almost half the world’s children against deadly, preventable diseases.
I share concerns about those in refugee camps across the world, who may be particularly vulnerable to diseases such as Covid-19. During my time as Co-Chair of the cross-party group on UN sustainable development goals, I learnt more about the UK’s international efforts on this issue, as access to clean water and sanitation is one of the 17 goals. Seeing the tangible impact we’re having to help the most vulnerable, left me proud of the work we do, and saddened in equal measure, as I know how much more there’s yet to do.
The former International Development Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, spoke with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on 18th March last year and agreed to work together to minimise the impact of this crisis on refugees.
The UK’s global efforts to combat the outbreak of Covid-19, including for those in refugee camps, include £20 million for the UN Refugee Agency, which is providing access to handwashing stations and drinking water for displaced people.
Another welcome example of the UK’s international support is the global handwashing campaign to target a billion people, alongside Unilever. The UK Government and Unilever have both provided £50 million each to fund a programme to provide over 20 million hygiene products in the developing world, including areas where there is little or no sanitation. This support is vital to stop the spread of the disease in the developing world and will limit its further potential spread in the UK. Tackling the disease in developing countries will also reduce its potential future impact on the global economy and travel.
In this fast-moving situation, it is welcome that the UK is keeping all further international funding under regular review. I will follow developments closely.
I understand concerns about the impact that a major outbreak of coronavirus could have in developing countries across Africa, particularly on their economies. The UK is making available up to £150 million to the International Monetary Fund to help developing countries meet their debt repayments, of which £75 million is being provided immediately. Of course, this outbreak requires an international response, and the G20’s recently announced agreement to pause $12 billion worth of debt repayments for the poorest countries. Importantly, this will enable these countries to focus available resources on tackling coronavirus and ensure they can direct greater resources to vital healthcare efforts, rather than interest payments.
