Written question asked by Rupa Huq (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 September 2025. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Polio: Disease Control

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support work to eradicate polio globally.

Original answer: The UK is a longstanding supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), having contributed £1.4 billion since 1995. This has enabled GPEI to reduce wild poliovirus cases by over 99 per cent. The UK is also the largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, recently announcing a new investment that will support eligible countries with polio vaccines as part of an essential package of childhood immunisation.

The answer was corrected by Chris Elmore (Labour)

on Monday, 1 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Corrected answer: The UK is a longstanding supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), having contributed £1.4 billion since 1995. This has enabled GPEI to reduce wild poliovirus cases by over 99 per cent. The UK is also the largest investor in ~~donor to~~ Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, recently announcing a new investment that will support eligible countries with polio vaccines as part of an essential package of childhood immunisation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76022
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Polio: Disease Control
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Subjects: Disease control Polio
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk