Eighth Report - Covid-19 in developing countries: secondary impacts

The government explained its temporary ODA reduction and the new strategic framework for aid allocation, noting that existing engagement channels with NGOs and private suppliers are maintained, with further meetings planned. However, it did not explicitly detail how it assessed the impact of funding cuts on recipient countries or how engagement will be strengthened.

The government reiterates its commitment to the global fight against poverty as central to FCDO's mission, stating that its ODA priorities are set in pursuit of poverty reduction and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, consistent with existing legislation.

The government explicitly rejected designing and publishing a separate long-term COVID-19 strategy, stating its efforts are integrated into the FCDO's strategic framework and Integrated Review. However, it committed to using its G7 and COP26 presidencies to foster international cooperation on a unified recovery strategy.

The government states that its partners are already publishing rapid assessments and that FCDO has internal guidance on inclusive data and beneficiary engagement, suggesting current practices align with the recommendation's aims without committing to new specific actions or deadlines.

The government details significant direct funding allocated to international and UK-based charities for COVID-19 response and highlights partnerships aimed at building capacity for locally led NGOs. It also provides an update on the lessons learned from the DEPP programme, but does not commit to new specific actions for increasing direct funding or incentivising partners.

The government states it assesses COVID-19's impact on healthcare by commissioning and synthesizing evidence and commits to publishing its 2020 global health spend. However, it explicitly states there are no immediate plans to publish a global health strategy, while noting it continues to review its approach.

The government outlines its commitment to Universal Health Coverage and strengthening health systems to provide essential services without financial hardship, citing existing investments and market-shaping interventions. It also describes ongoing efforts to balance COVID-19 response with maintaining existing essential health services and adapting them to be COVID-secure.

The government details existing efforts regarding the G20's Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), noting G20 agreement to examine further extensions. It explains that private creditor participation under DSSI was voluntary and refers to the Common Framework for comparable treatment from private creditors, but does not commit to extending DSSI beyond June 2021, actively persuading private lenders to join the DSSI, or considering debt cancellation options.

The government agreed on the importance of working closely with recipient countries and NGOs, citing current examples. However, it did not commit to quarterly reporting and stated that support for strengthening economic resilience through multi-year programmes is currently under review for the 2021/22 financial year.

The government reports pledging an additional £180 million for food insecurity and highlights its long-standing commitment to cash transfers, detailing over £338 million spent in FY19/20. However, it defers renewing nutrition commitments pending an internal review and does not address the request for quarterly updates on food security measures.

The government acknowledges COVID-19's disproportionate impact on women and girls, citing funding for UNFPA and support for women's rights organisations, and mentions social protection efforts to mitigate increased unpaid care responsibilities. However, it does not commit to refreshing the Strategic Vision for Gender Equality, convening an external expert panel, reviewing the Delivery Board, or appointing a Special Envoy on Gender Equality, and refers to a new Programme Operating Framework being developed instead of detailing Smart Rules implementation.

The government stated it is developing ambitious actions and targets on gender-based violence, to be published at the Generation Equality Forum in June. However, it implicitly rejected ringfencing funding by referencing the ODA budget reduction, and described reorienting existing programmes to support survivors without explicitly detailing new accountability measures for partners.

The government states it regularly publishes annual reviews of UK-funded SRHR programmes on its Development Tracker website. It rejects ringfencing funding for specific contraceptive methods, arguing it could limit choice, and asserts that the pledge to end preventable deaths of mothers, newborns, and children is already integrated into its global health approach and ODA strategic framework.

The government asserts that its decisions are already evidence-informed and data-driven, and provides examples of ongoing initiatives like the Girls’ Education Challenge programme, which involves working with local NGOs and adapting teaching methods to reach marginalized girls.