World Vision's Response to Final Communique of the G8 Summit at Camp David

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Comments by Sheri Arnott, World Vision's food security expert:

"World Vision welcomes the support of the Government of Canada and other members of the G8 for improving nutrition, including endorsing the SUN movement and highlighting the crucial thousand-day window from conception to a child's second birthday. We also affirm the G8's stated commitment to maintain programs to reduce malnutrition."

"We are glad to see that the Government of Canada supports the refocused effort by the G8 on food security and nutrition and we welcome Canada's new commitments in this area. We hope our country will continue to ensure this initiative puts the goal of child health front and center by making sure it leads to concrete improvements in nutrition. At the same time, we call on the G8 leaders to move quickly to deliver on their Muskoka Initiative child and maternal health promises to ensure meeting the goals for lives saved by 2015."

"However, without specific goals and a timeline, we are concerned that nutrition will not be placed at the center of the New Alliance's approach and food security plans. The 170-million children at risk this year of being stunted from chronic malnutrition cannot afford delays."

"The G8 leaders have been very clear that they want to link their investments to nutrition and food security. The measure of success in 10 years cannot just be growth of agricultural production or even economies. It has to be measured by the survival, growth and health of children."

"It's ironic that the G8 has referenced its commitment to transparency and applauded themselves for this year's accountability report - yet the leaders still haven't shared it with the people most affected by these issues. While we applaud the real progress that has been made on food security and nutrition, if we had to give the G8 a grade right now, it would be incomplete."

"While we applaud the commitment made by G8 donors toward fulfilling the L'Aquila Food Security Initiative, it is troubling that there is no clear timeline for doing so with the deadline just months away. In addition, we call on the Government of Canada and the G8 to maintain L'Aquila levels of food security funding beyond 2012."

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.

Media contact:

Bob Neufeld
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