Unicef UK response to news that the Government are to cut UK aid spending by £2.9 billion in light of an economic downturn due to pandemic

Sacha Deshmukh, Executive Director at Unicef UK, said:

“Unicef UK welcomes the government’s continued commitment to the 0.7% aid target, and the focus on poverty reduction and girls education.

“However, it’s concerning to see that child health is no longer listed in the government’s priorities. Even before the pandemic 15,000 children under 5 were dying every day from preventable causes. The pandemic has exacerbated significant weakness in health systems around the world and our estimates show that an additional 6,000 children could die every day as a result of severe disruptions to health systems and essential services.

“At this time of global crisis it is more vital than ever that the Government upholds its manifesto commitment to end preventable child and maternal deaths.”