To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to help enable covid-19 testing in low-income countries.
Answered on
18 May 2020
DFID is at the forefront of the global response to COVID-19. We are using UK aid to its full effect to counter the health, humanitarian, and economic risks and impact of this pandemic in the developing world. We are working hard to ensure that our help reaches those most in need through close collaboration with our partners.
So far, the UK has provided up to £744 million of UK aid to help combat the virus and sent UK experts to support vulnerable countries to prepare for the virus. Funding includes research on vaccines, therapeutics and tests. The UK’s £75 million funding to the World Health Organization helps support its key role in providing technical support countries to establish COVID-19 testing strategies and capacity. DFID is also providing up to £23 million to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, a global non-profit organisation driving innovation in the development and delivery of diagnostics to combat major diseases affecting the world’s poorest populations.