§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that there are procedures in place to require the United Nations Security Council and the World Health Organisation to work together without delay in the event of a serious outbreak of infectious disease. [HL1333]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThis question was raised in the recent report of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change.
The UN Secretary—General will be reporting in March on the way ahead for implementing recommendations of the high level panel. The UK will discuss these issues with the UN Secretariat and other stakeholders, including member states, in preparation for the UN Millennium Review Summit at New York in September. We welcome this recommendation and will work to ensure an effective and co-ordinated UN response to an outbreak of infectious disease.