Written question asked by David Linden (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 2 November 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2022. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 14 November 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Development Aid: Polio

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will increase the Government’s pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Answer: The UK supports the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), to which we have provided £1.38 billion since 1995. We remain proud of our contribution to polio eradication, which has seen polio cases reduced by over 99%. To date, more than 20 million people are walking who may otherwise have been paralysed due to polio. The UK will continue to be a supportive partner to the GPEI in the future to ensure every child everywhere is safe from this disease. In light of ongoing crises, we have temporarily paused some overseas aid spending, including to GPEI, as we review our allocations.

Secondary information