Obama may be hosting, but Harper must take the lead at G8

925 million people are counting on G8 to end their daily war with hunger & malnutrition

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 16, 2012 /CNW/ - This week as G8 leaders converge on Camp David to make decisions that will have life and death ramifications for the world's poor, Canada must take the lead to hold other members of this exclusive club to account for promises made. Life-saving funds for child and maternal health and food security have been pledged by Canada and these seven other global powerhouses. But time is running out fast for 925 million people who will go to bed hungry tonight.

"Food security and nutrition are tightly tied with child and maternal health. Without enough nutritious food to eat, mothers and children don't stand a chance," says Sheri Arnott, World Vision's food security expert. "From Mali and Niger to Somalia and Afghanistan, time is running out for millions of people. Hunger and malnutrition are rampant and children and women are dying."

Canada has staked its claim as the G8's team captain for child and maternal health, rallying other G8 countries to ante up at the 2010 G8 in Muskoka. Canada was the first G8 country to deliver on food security promises made in Italy at the 2009 G8.

"These two bold steps are a good start, but with 7,500 children still dying every day before they can celebrate their fifth birthday, the work has just begun," says Arnott. "The momentum started by Canada needs to continue with the nutrition of women and children as a top priority if they are to stand a chance at survival."

"President Obama will host the G8 leaders later this week. While they are meeting and mingling at Camp David, Prime Minister Harper must continue to show Canada is a champion for the world's poor by demanding promises around food security and child and maternal health are kept. Moving forward, Canada must get other G8 countries off the sidelines to make sure nutrition is a major focus in G8 development efforts."

Children who are malnourished—particularly before the age of five—are at risk of never reach their full physical or intellectual development which spells disaster for future generations and the growth and prosperity of a country. Economically, investments in child and maternal health, food security and nutrition are the most sound and proven ways to increase the GDP of a developing country and promote future prosperity.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information and to set up interviews in Canada and D.C., please contact:

Tiffany Baggetta
416-305-9612
[email protected]