Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which Irish Aid continues to engage with communities across the globe that are deeply affected by a lack of basic health and hygiene requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34217/21]
View answerIreland recognises that access to health systems and basic sanitation remain out of reach for many of the world’s poorest communities, despite the progress that has been made in reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and fighting diseases including HIV and AIDS.
In Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World, we have committed to continue to support global ambitions towards ending the epidemics of AIDS, TB and malaria. Improving the quality and availability of health services with a strong focus on maternal and child health has been a long-standing emphasis of Ireland’s development cooperation.
Through the Health Service Executive Global Programme, Irish NGOs and projects funded by Irish Missions abroad, Ireland is working to address the barriers to access and quality of health services. People-centered, gender responsive and community-based responses are prioritised. Ireland is also supporting a range of projects to build basic water and sanitation facilities at community level, through our bilateral programmes.
In 2021, Ireland has allocated at least €100 million to global public health, which includes the COVID-19 response. Also included in this €100 million is funding of €15 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and €3 million to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance. This strong health response is especially important as health systems globally are under strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
