Coronavirus: Older People

(asked on 16th March 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to protect older people from covid-19 throughout the world.


Answered by
James Cleverly Portrait
James Cleverly
Home Secretary
This question was answered on 20th March 2020

The Department for International Development (DFID) is supporting the UK’s global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 and help the most vulnerable, including protecting older people and people with disabilities. This includes the UK committing up to £241 million of UK Aid to support the global efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19. As part of this, the UK is providing £10 million to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) Emergency Flash Appeal.

DFID recognises that older people around the world may be vulnerable to acquiring diseases such as COVID-19 and strong health systems are vital to ensuring health security. The UK works to strengthen health systems through our work in-country, as well as through our support to WHO and other global health initiatives. Additionally, the WHO’s?Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, and Operational Planning Guidelines outlines the public health measures that need to be taken to support countries to prepare for and respond to COVID-19, with special considerations to be given to marginalised groups, including older people.

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