Asked by: Sarah Wollaston (Liberal Democrat - Totnes)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate her Department has made of the potential shortfall in funding to charities and non-governmental organisations as a result of the revocation in the US of the Presidential Memorandum of 23 January 2009 Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning and the reinstatement of the Presidential Memorandum of 22 January 2001 Restoration of Mexico City Policy; and what plans her Department has to ensure continued access to (a) family planning advice and (b) safe termination and contraception through its programmes.
Answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm
It is too early to put an exact figure on the financial impact of the restoration of the Mexico City Policy.
The UK firmly believes that supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, through proven, evidence-based public health interventions, saves lives and supports prosperity. We will continue to work with all our partners, including governments, UNFPA and civil society partners, to deliver this.
Asked by: Sarah Wollaston (Liberal Democrat - Totnes)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to encourage its bilateral partners to adopt a co-ordinated early childhood development approach to provide nutritional, medical and educational support for children.
Answered by Nick Hurd
There is strong evidence that supporting children in their early years with health, education, nutrition and stimulation interventions maximises their learning potential and yields long term benefits. In January DFID held a high level meeting in London, bringing together Ministers and policy makers from developing countries, academic experts and development agencies to explore how to provide cross-sectoral support to young children at scale. Drawing on the evidence base, DFID is exploring with country governments how to co-ordinate early childhood support and how to adapt our existing programmes to encompass early childhood development principles.
Asked by: Sarah Wollaston (Liberal Democrat - Totnes)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the eradication of polio.
Answered by Grant Shapps - Secretary of State for Defence
The UK is fully committed to the global eradication of polio. The Secretary of State for International Development makes the most of opportunities to raise awareness of polio eradication efforts and, wherever appropriate, discusses polio with her international counterparts. For example, last year the Secretary of State for International Development made a key note speech at Rotary International with representatives from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Indonesia, along with key polio campaigners and global health bodies.
The UK continues to be a strong supporter of global polio eradication efforts. In 2013, the UK committed £300 million over six years to polio eradication, which will help vaccinate up to 360 million children. The UK actively participates in the global Polio Oversight Board, helping to ensure a strong focus on results and achieving eradication. We are very close to making polio the second human disease in history to be wiped out, and it is crucial to maintain international momentum
Asked by: Sarah Wollaston (Liberal Democrat - Totnes)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to encourage other countries to donate to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Answered by Grant Shapps - Secretary of State for Defence
The UK is a strong supporter of global polio eradication efforts. As one of the top three donors to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the UK leads by example. In 2013, the UK committed £300 million over six years to polio eradication, which will help vaccinate up to 360 million children.
The UK will continue to encourage countries to donate to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to ensure that we have the required funding to successfully eradicate the disease before 2019. As a lead donor, the UK actively participates in the global Polio Oversight Board, helping to ensure cost-effective use of funds and a strong focus on results.