UK’s Drastic Cut in Foreign Aid Risks Future Pandemics, Sage Experts Say | Research funding

The government’s drastic cut in overseas aid risks hurting the world’s ability to tackle the next global health disaster and keep Britain safe, some of its own scientific advisers on Covid are warning.

In a significant escalation of the backlash against the cut, which will see major research projects canceled this year, current and former members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) are among the thousands of academics to take on Chancellor Rishi Sunak, about the cuts. affecting projects that target the main threats to human health.

Some of the UK’s leading universities have told the Observer that projects to reduce the risk of transmitting animal viruses to humans and work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), two possible sources of the next global health emergency, have been affected by a £ 120million drop in the research funding from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The fall was triggered by the government’s controversial decision to cut foreign aid from 0.7% of GDP to 0.5%. An open letter signed by more than 3,000 UK academics and global health experts warns that the reduction will affect “some of the world’s most complex and difficult global health problems”.

He adds: “Critically, the Covid-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted the interdependencies across our world. We understand that health risks and vulnerabilities are shared globally, as are solutions developed around the world to address emerging health threats. “

Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modeling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a member of Sage, was among those who signed the letter. He told the Observer: “People often think that all the science that came out in the past year was revealed in the last year. But there was a tremendous amount of activity and work to lay the groundwork. It doesn’t happen by accident. Science needs funding to continue to develop. To be in the best position for the next threat – another pandemic or a rise in antimicrobial resistance – we need some groundwork. Especially in areas where threats are most likely to arise. “

Other signatories include Harry Rutter, another member of Sage, professor of global public health at the University of Bath, and former Sage advisor Professor David Lalloo, director of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Dozens of universities are represented, as well as some of the country’s leading epidemiologists.

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, pro-vice-chancellor for research at the University of Cambridge, said: “Cambridge researchers and their counterparts from a host of other universities will have to stop programs that include prediction of the next potential pandemic, improving food security, improving motherhood. health and building renewable energy sources. This work benefits not only the developing world, but all of us. “

Lord O’Neill, the Conservative peer who led a government review of antimicrobial resistance, also voiced concerns about the reduction, warning: “This is a sign that some aspects of the global campaign of Great Britain need to be treated more thoughtfully.

Professor Alice Gast, president of Imperial College London, said her aid funding included mapping the spread of Covid-19 in low and middle-income countries. “The Covid crisis has shown the world what we can do with long-term strategic scientific investment,” she said. “Now is not the time to step back from the role of British science as a global force for good.”

Fiona Tomley, professor of experimental parasitology at the Royal Veterinary College in London, said British research carried out in collaboration with the poorest countries was vital in spotting future threats. “It doesn’t matter if you live in a small village in Norfolk or on the outskirts of Dhaka,” she says. “If a virus starts to move around, it affects everyone.