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<p>Merging the Department for International Development (DFID) with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) to form the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
(FCDO) will bring together the best of what we do in aid and diplomacy. It will ensure
that all of our national efforts including our aid budget and expertise are used to
make the UK a force for good in the world. DFID is a long-term supporter of product
development research through Product Development Partnerships to develop new diagnostics,
drugs, vaccines and other health technologies for use in the developing world. This
includes recent investments in a wide range of health research and development to
tackle COVID-19</p><p> </p><p>The UK’s role in the world will be defined by the Integrated
Foreign Policy Review, expected to conclude later in the year. The objectives for
the new department, including for research and development, will be informed by the
findings of that review. The work of Official Development Assistance will remain central
to the new department’s mission, and the budget of the new department will combine
the FCO and DFID budgets.</p>
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