HL Deb 19 April 2000 vol 612 c99WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the World Health Organisation has reported or will report on tuberculosis in Chechnya and adjoining regions, on the probable consequences for public health in Russia and eastern Europe and on the necessary preventative measures; and if not; whether they will ask the WHO to do so. [HL1919]

Baroness Amos

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a steady increase in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the North Caucasus. Although no data are available on the TB incidence rate within Chechnya, WHO believes the increase there is likely to be particularly pronounced.

WHO have reported that the increased incidence of TB in the North Caucasus is likely to have negative consequences for public health and place greater strain on the Russian TB health services. In the North Caucasus, they are working to improve the capacity of local health institutions in Ingushetia to diagnose and treat TB.

Russia-wide, the WHO is involved in a number of activities, in preparation for a $100 million World Bank loan for TB control.

DfID is contributing over £2 million to TB programmes in Russia, plus an additional $300,000 to WHO for its work in the North Caucasus, including TB control programmes.