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International: G20 must adopt child and maternal health as priority agenda
26 Jun 2010
- G20 must adopt child and maternal health as priority agenda, urges World Vision, pushing for accountability among newly influential group.
- G8 support alone not enough to reach MDG targets, group warns.
With the G20 summit opening today in Toronto, World Vision is calling upon emerging economies within the G20 to be accountable for prioritising their own child and maternal health progress—while all G20 nations should provide their fair share of funding and leadership within their respective regions.
G20 nations took mutual responsibility during the global economic crisis; now these nations must take mutual responsibility to make up for the serious lag in reaching MDGs 4 and 5 on child and maternal health.
Facts on G20 health gaps:
- South Africa: The infant mortality rate (0-1 year) has worsened from 145 in 1990 to 187 in 2008 per 1,000 live births.
- India: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel has risen from 34% in 1995 to 47% in 2008, showing progress but highlighting still significant maternal health gaps.
- Brazil: Has improved overall in child mortality levels, but rates for specific groups including afro-Brazilian, indigenous, and low-income populations have stagnated or risen, indicating that child mortality is directly related to social inequality.
Quotes:
“In many G20 nations where World Vision works, we see power and wealth right next door to extreme poverty. Let’s tackle that inequity. G20 must address the needs of the most vulnerable children and families in their own countries.” — Dave Toycen, President and CEO of World Vision Canada
“You can’t be called a global leader if your own mothers and children are dying from preventable causes. These goals are achievable, just look at recent progress. When there is political will, change can happen." — Sue Mbaya, Director of Advocacy, World Vision Africa
Tell your leaders that five years should not be a child's lifetime. Sign the petition at www.childhealthnow.org...
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