To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to ensure that economic growth in developing countries has a positive impact on infant mortality; and if he will make a statement. (187775)

Economic growth means that governments have more resources to invest in critical services. The Department for International Development (DFID) works with countries to improve the quality of spending allocations and public service delivery to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared equally. DFID pioneered the International Health Partnership (IHP) which was launched in September 2007. By committing partners to work together to support Government’s health plans, the IHP will seek to remove obstacles to stronger health systems. DFID is now supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank and other international health agencies to implement the IHP in the eight first wave countries and in encouraging more countries to join.