HC Deb 19 December 2002 vol 396 cc901-2W
Tony Baldry

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with regard to health programmes in Afghanistan, what monies(a) her Department has pledged, (b) her Department has delivered, (c) other G8 countries have pledged and (d) other G8 countries have delivered. [61757]

Clare Short

In the current financial year, we have disbursed £2 million to the World Health Organisation. This is in addition to funds that have supported NGOs working in the health sector through the QIPs (Quick Impact Projects) scheme. A further £1 million has also been earmarked for the health sector for this year. The manner in which it will be disbursed has yet to be decided. Capacity building for the Ministry of Health has, however, been flagged as a priority.

It is not possible at this time to give detailed information on the activities of other donors in the health sector. We have supported the Afghanistan Transitional Authority (ATA) in developing a database that will begin to capture such information from 2003. Aid pledged in support of health programmes is delivered in a variety of different manners: bilaterally, multilaterally and through the Afghan Reconstruction Trust fund.

However, we are aware of specific pledges for the health sector of at least US$100 million from donors, including the World bank, the Asian Development bank, USAID, GTZ, the EU, JICA and the Canadian and Norwegian Governments.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department has had with government ministers in Afghanistan to ensure the safety of Afghan girls attending school. [80562]

Clare Short

We are concerned about the reports of attacks on girls' schools in various parts of Afghanistan. Although we are only aware of a limited number of incidents and millions of girls are going back to school, this is a worrying signal of the threat to the equal status of women and girls in Afghanistan. This must be addressed through a comprehensive effort to improve gender equality. During my recent visit to Afghanistan I met the Afghan Affairs Minister, Dr. Habiba Sorabi, and representatives of women's groups. We discussed the factors affecting girls returning to school as well as the wider issue of women's rights.