§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the overseas aid budget is allocated to immunisation programmes; and if this percentage will be increased over the next five years. [222]
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 20 November 1995]: Immunisation against infectious diseases is one of the most cost-effective means available for improving human health. During 1994, the ODA contributed around £250 million, or at least 10 per cent. of the aid budget, directly to health and population aid. A further sum was provided indirectly, through British contributions to the European Commission, World bank and UNICEF.
Funds were used to improve the effectiveness of health services in developing countries and countries in transition; to promote improved reproductive health including safer maternity; to reduce suffering due to communicable diseases, especially tuberculosis, malaria and HIV; and to improve access to essential health care in emergencies. In all these circumstances, United Kingdom funding contributes to improved population coverage with effective vaccines. Funds are routed through the ODA's bilateral country, emergency and technology development and research programmes, grants to UNICEF and WHO, and joint funding of non-governmental organisations like Save the Children Fund, Oxfam and MERLIN.
Separate figures are not available for UK spending on immunisation work within these broader programmes.