KEVIN WATKINS, SAVE THE CHILDREN CEO, RESPONSE TO DFID AID
 

Thursday, 1 December 2016 - 6:31pm

Department for International Development Multilateral and Bilateral Aid Reviews spell out Secretary of State Priti Patel's vision of the future of UK Aid.

“Today’s reviews are the strongest signal yet that the UK will not shirk its responsibilities as it forges a new identity outside the European Union.

“Save the Children warmly welcomes the promise to put children at the heart of UK development. If this promise is implemented, Global Britain has the potential to become much more than just a hashtag. From protecting children in war to mobilising resources in the hardest to reach places, the UK has the power to help create a world where all children can survive and thrive.

“Anyone involved in spending taxpayers’ money should be dedicated to getting the best out of every pound. As part of this, the Department for International Development (DFID) must be unapologetic about ensuring that the needs of the poorest are the priority for UK aid.

“Aid is most effective if it primarily strives to combat poverty. This can be done in multiple ways – whether through direct spending on education or healthcare, or by supporting countries’ ability to generate their own, independent revenue – but having one, clear purpose will always deliver better results.

“Over the last 15 years, British aid has bought the mosquito nets that helped stop six million people dying from malaria, provided the equipment and training that ensured five million childbirths happened safely, and given 11 million children a chance in life by supporting them through education. These reviews present an opportunity for the UK to go even further in the next 15 years and help meet the ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.”