§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with countries affected by malaria on the economic impact on(a) public services and (b) the stability of their societies. [157792]
Mr. Gareth ThomasMalaria is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many poor countries, limiting social and economic development. The UK, as part of an international effort, is committed to reducing the impact of malaria. We support the Roll Back Malaria partnership, and look to it to inform us on the impact of malaria in developing countries
1256W
£000 Financial year Technical co-operation
Project or sector aid
Grants/other aid in kind
Humanitarian assistance
Total DFID programme
1999–2000 11,119 2,092 1,636 — 14,847 2000–01 13.686 2,742 1,267 — 17,695 2001–02 18.750 1,805 659 2,201 23,414 2002–03 24.599 2,038 1.156 94 27,887 DFID is in regular contact with health officials in developing countries and provides assistance through its support to developing country programmes. As part of the international effort, we are working to ensure that the Roll Back Malaria partnership lends its support to nationally led programmes, processes and strategies, and provides sound evidence-based support for the effective use of additional resources from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the(a) economic and (b) social impact of malaria on developing countries. [157793]
Mr. Gareth ThomasMalaria is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many developing countries, limiting economic and social development. It is understood to be both a disease of poverty and a cause of poverty. Annual economic growth in countries with high malaria transmission is lower than in countries without malaria and in some African countries it penalises economic growth by up to 1.3 per cent. per year. This leads to substantial differences in GDP between countries and severely restrains the economic growth of the entire region.
The social impact of malaria includes the loss of earnings, human pain and suffering. It hampers children's social development and educational opportunities. The disease affects individual and household decision-making in ways that have a negative impact on economic productivity and growth.
As part of an international effort, the UK is committed to reducing the impact of malaria. We provide support through global partnerships such as Roll Back Malaria and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria as well as supporting country programmes (projects, support to health sectors and general budget support).