§ 22. Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to tackle high levels of infant mortality in poorer countries. [14167]
§ Clare ShortWe are strongly committed to mobilising the international development system to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child and infant mortality by two thirds by 2015. Two million child deaths could be averted by improving routine immunisation coverage and introducing appropriate new vaccines in poor countries. We are providing substantial support to this work through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI) and work closely in314W partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. This must be underpinned by strengthened health systems, better health worker skills and better caring practices within the home and community, and we have committed over £1 billion since 1997 to help governments with this task.
As two thirds of all infant deaths occur in the first month of life, DFID is taking an active role in promoting newborn and maternal health as a priority within the international health agenda. We work in a range of sectors, in particular water and sanitation and female education which also impact on mortality rates.