§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to help replenish stocks of anti-tuberculosis drugs in the Central African Republic. [84640]
§ Clare ShortThe Central African Republic has made an emergency application to the Global TB Drug Facility (GDF) for an estimated years supply of TB drugs. Delivery is expected imminently. Connected to852W this application, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will soon be fielding a mission to determine the Central African Republic's long term tuberculosis drug needs. Future additional supplies of TB drugs will be secured through the formal application process to the GDF and additional technical support provided by Stop TB. DFID is a partner of Stop TB and the GDF.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what evidence has been received by her Department indicating a shortage of medical supplies within hospitals in the Central African Republic. [84641]
§ Clare ShortMy Department is aware of reports from UN agencies indicating that there are shortages of medicines in the Central African Republic, particularly in hospitals and health centres in CAR's northern provinces. According to a report on 28 November, two major health zones remain cut off from a re-supply depot in the capital, Bangui, due to the closure of the main road route on security grounds. The result of this has been a shortage of essential medicines and vaccines (e.g. for tuberculosis, polio and yellow fever) in the regional pharmaceutical depots. UK support to CAR is provided through multilateral agencies such as the European Commission.