New approach summary paper: The UK aid response to COVID-19

5 May 2021

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) has today published its planned approach for a forthcoming rapid review that will examine the UK aid response to COVID-19.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world has been unparalleled in modern times, and led to a rapidly evolving emergency in developing countries. Travel restrictions and social isolation measures led to loss of livelihoods, limited access to services, and in some cases, healthcare infrastructure was overwhelmed. Humanitarian supplies to existing emergencies were interrupted, and there was extensive disruption to a range of development initiatives, including education and vaccinations. As a result, the aid programme in 2020 was reprioritised to support the UK’s international response and mobilise support for developing countries.

ICAI’s rapid review will assess how well the UK government prioritised and redirected its aid resources. It follows ICAI’s earlier information note, published in December 2020, about how the government managed aid procurement processes in the early stages of the pandemic, and  will complement two other ICAI reviews: a review of the management of the 0.7% ODA spending target in 2020, which is currently underway, and a planned in-depth review of the humanitarian aspects of the UK government’s COVID-19 response.

The review will provide timely insights and policy recommendations to inform the continued UK aid response to the pandemic.

Read the approach summary paper