§ 29. Liz BlackmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what efforts her Department is taking to help with the global eradication of polio. [143224]
§ Clare ShortThe global eradication of polio is achievable by 2005. The UK has contributed around £165 million towards this end since 1995, and this has directly contributed to a significant fall in the incidence of polio. We are now in the final phase, which requires intensified efforts to interrupt transmission in all remaining reservoir countries by 2002, and subsequent surveillance to ensure certification of eradication by 2005. I have recently agreed £35 million in support of the World Health Organisation's final eradication effort. This is aimed at the areas of greatest need and at catalysing support from other donors.