World Vision on disappointing findings of G8 Accountability Report: Needed to address lagging progress on commitments

Washington, June 21, 2010—World leaders must take bold leaps, not baby steps, toward accountability on pledges, says aid agency World Vision.

With the release of the first formal G8 Accountability Report on Sunday in Canada, the Group of Eight countries are to be commended for taking stock of their progress toward the development promises made since 2005.

However, real accountability is still lacking, as the report states only what has been given so far -- the G8 haven’t offered a plan for catching up in areas where progress has been too slow.

In fact, faced with the prospect of future accountability reports, countries may be tempted to make smaller promises they know they can keep.

The G8 represent the bulk of the world's wealth. They need to take effective, courageous steps that will change the state of the world's poorest people substantially. That’s especially true in regard to child and maternal health. These leaders have the resources to make and keep bold commitments.

Quotes:

"The new Accountability Report reveals the need for an action plan for catching up, if we are to see real progress on the G8 goals for child and maternal health."
- Robert Zachritz, Director of Advocacy, World Vision US

"Four million African children die each year before reaching their fifth birthdays. Africa’s mothers and children need more than good intentions; they need the G8 countries to make serious commitments and follow through on them."
- Sue Mbaya, Director of Advocacy, World Vision Africa

Facts:

• Despite gradual improvements in child health globally, maternal deaths have not budged and child mortality is still far too high. Almost 9 million children under five years of age die each year.
  
• Cost-effective, proven interventions are available and would reduce child deaths by 65 per cent and maternal deaths by 80 per cent, as demonstrated in several developing countries. What is needed now is effective, coordinated action by all major players.

Links:
For more on Child Health Now and World Vision’s public actions around the summit, see http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/about/emergency-presskit-G8-poverty

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.