§ 7. Mr. HammondTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, if he will make a statement on British aid policy in respect of Zimbabwe. [118383]
§ Ms KeebleBritish aid policy is focused on providing help to the people of Zimbabwe. We are working with the United Nations agencies, other donors, and non-government organisations to provide food aid, HIV/AIDS prevention and other health sector programmes. However, we recognise that the plight of the people in Zimbabwe will only be resolved by political change.
§ 12. Mrs. GillanTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, when the Secretary of State last met non-governmental organisations to discuss aid to Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [118389]
§ Hilary BennSince taking up her new appointment the Secretary of State has not met with non-government organisations to discuss aid to Zimbabwe.
We continue to work closely with British and other non-government organisations to share analysis on the terrible situation faced by most Zimbabweans. The majority of our food aid programme in Zimbabwe is implemented by non-government organisations, contracted directly by the Department for International Development, or through the World Food Programme, 864W which also receives significant UK funding. Non-government organisations will remain key partners in the process of supporting the people of Zimbabwe through the effective supply of food aid, as well as tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic.