§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what plans he has to ensure the continuation of funding for treatment of tuberculosis in all high burden countries under the World Health Organisation DOTS treatment scheme; [151624]
(2) what plans he has to increase access to the World Health Organisation DOTS scheme; and if he will make a statement; [151625]
(3) what action he is taking to improve the rates of successful treatment of tuberculosis in high burden countries. [151626]
Mr. Gareth ThomasTuberculosis (TB) is a preventable tragedy, yet it kills approximately two million people each year and continues to threaten health, prosperity and social stability. 92 per cent. of cases and deaths occur in low income and lower middle income countries. The World Health Organisation has set TB-control goals for 2005: to detect 70 per cent. of all new infectious TB cases worldwide and to successfully treat 85 per cent. of all cases detected. However, without a dramatic increase in the response, the international community will at best only achieve this target in 2013. Effective control will require concerted action at 1317W international and country levels to increase access to the WHO-recommended DOTS treatment strategy, which combines five elements: political commitment, microscopy services, drug supplies, surveillance and monitoring systems and use of highly efficacious regimes with direct observation of treatment. We work through the World Health Assembly and other channels to ensure that WHO appropriately prioritises the goal of increasing access to medicines for the poorest in line with the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals.
DFID is committed to expanding the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment services for TB, particularly to poor communities and to women. The UK is a member of the co-ordinating Board of the global Stop TB partnership, and in 2002–03, we provided £0.99 million to the partnership, which included a contribution to the cost of the important evaluation of the Global TB Drug Facility (GDF).
We also support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria as a new mechanism to complement existing initiatives for these diseases, and have pledged US$280 million through to 2008 to the Fund. The Global Fund has already approved grants totalling US$2.1 billion, which will be used to provide direct support to programmes in developing countries, including the treatment of TB in over 40 countries. Additionally, we fund TB Knowledge and Research Programmes at £1.3 million per year.
To achieve the 2005 targets for DOTS implementation, the international community must address the broader health sector, including human resources for health, primary health care provision, private sector and corporate sector contributions, and working within poverty alleviation strategies. DFID has committed over £1.5 billion since 1997 to support the strengthening of health systems in developing countries.
§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the Government gives India to combat tuberculosis. [152973]
Mr. Gareth ThomasTuberculosis is a major health issue in India. Around 500,000 people die from TB each year, which disproportionately affects the poor. The Government are supporting the Government of India's programme to improve the provision of tuberculosis treatment services in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
DFID is providing £20.5 million over five years, to bring about a sustainable improvement in the quality and effectiveness of TB services, ensuring that they are accessible to everyone, especially poor people. DFID funds are used to purchase drugs and microscopes, to train staff, to fund the World Health Organisation in providing technical support, and to improve management systems. The work in Andhra Pradesh, as well as that supported by other donors across India, is contributing to the development of a national policy framework for TB care.
In addition, at international level the UK has pledged US$280 million through to 2008 to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. These funds will be used to provide direct support to programmes in 1318W developing countries, including the treatment of TB. The Global Fund Board has approved proposals for TB programmes in India totalling $38 million.
The UK is also an active member of the global Stop TB partnership which helps to raise the commitment and resources needed to expand, adapt and improve efforts to control and eliminate TB. In 2002–03 DFID provided £0.75 million to the partnership.