§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department is giving to the Eastern Province of Zambia; and what future funding plans are. [179696]
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§ Hilary BennThe Province benefits from DFID's support to national Health and Education programmes. This assistance is substantial, including £20 million to the Education Ministry (2003–07) and £20 million to the Health Ministry (2001–05). DFID is ensuring access to quality services in every province through to the district and community levels.
Targeted assistance to Eastern Province includes sexual and reproductive health programmes. For example, DFID is currently funding a £20,000 information campaign on reproductive health and HIV/AIDs mainly targeted at young people.
In the coming year, the UK Small Grants Scheme will focus on Eastern Province. With a budget of £160,000, the Scheme will support proposals working with vulnerable groups including women, orphans and children. Priority will be given to activities that will promote HIV/AIDs prevention and coping activities.
I recently approved a new Country Assistance Plan for Zambia giving more details of DFID's future funding priorities. This will be available shortly.