§ John BarrettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration is given to the costs associated with(a) the millennium development goals and (b) combating HIV/AIDS in the construction of poverty reduction strategy papers for countries wishing to enter the HIPC initiative. [91162]
§ Clare ShortI have been asked to reply.
In line with the principle of ownership and country-led processes which the UK has championed, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) set national development targets which, in most cases, closely overlap with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The costings section of PRSPs provides an estimate of the cost of reaching these national development targets and how HIPC debit relief is to be allocated accordingly.
For many HIPC countries, HIV/AIDS is an important factor in the analysis of poverty trends for PRSPs and usually costed within the health sector plans. HIV/AIDS is a multi-sector issue, and we are working with developing country partners to strengthen the quality of these plans and costings.