§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Minister of State for International Development what discussions he has had with his G8 counterparts regarding the commitment of additional funds to the WHO to eliminate polio by 2005. [111576]>
§ Hilary BennDFID has provided US$357 million to support Polio eradication since 1988. We have on a number of occasions pressed G8 countries to fulfil the commitments made in Kananaskis to raise sufficient resources to eliminate polio in Africa by 2005. Indeed, we will be urging this at the G8 summit in Evian. We believe eradication is achievable, but will require resources and commitment from a broad partnership base. Discussions have been held with a variety of stakeholders, including the G8 and others.