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

TORONTO, June 26 /CNW/ - With the G20 summit opening today in Toronto, World Vision is calling upon emerging economies within the G20 to be accountable for prioritizing 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


    Links:
    World Vision public actions around the summit: www.worldvision.ca/newsroom
    About World Vision's child health campaign www.childhealthnow.org
    

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For further information: For interviews with World Vision experts, contact: Sharon Marshall, 905-565-6200 x.2213, cell: 416-616-9147, [email protected]; Tiffany Baggetta, 905-565-6200 x.2485, cell: 416-305-9612, [email protected]