Oral Answers to Questions

Nicholas Dakin Excerpts

Wednesday 9th April 2014 Commons Chamber

[Justine Greening]

We do want malaria to be eradicated. It is one of the key issues African leaders raise in relation not just to its impact on individuals and families, but its economic impact. The recent Bali World Trade Organisation deal was worth about $10 billion a year to the African economy—that is also the cost of malaria every year regionally.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

3. What recent steps she has taken to ensure the future funding and effectiveness of the GAVI Alliance. [R]

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Lynne Featherstone)]

The UK is the largest donor to GAVI. Our support will help fully immunise nearly 80 million children and save around 1.3 million lives during 2011-15. We are working closely with GAVI and partners to ensure that their 2016-20 strategy, currently being developed, provides a sound and cost-effective basis for delivering their mission and saving children’s lives.

[Nic Dakin]

May I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests? To reach every child with immunisation requires not only vaccines but staff. Do the Government support the GAVI 15% to 25% spending target on health strengthening in the international community?

[Lynne Featherstone]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that, because strengthening health systems and the capacity of health workers is a key answer in addressing the immunisation deficit.