24 April 2007
Tony Blair emerged today from Berlin talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kofi Annan, saying that "much more" must be done to tackle poverty in Africa.
Mr Blair and other world leaders met in Berlin to discuss the on-going work of the Africa Progress Panel, the group established by the Prime Minister last June to hold the world to account for the promises made to and by Africa during UK’s G8 Presidency in 2005.
Speaking today, Mr Blair said there had been "an immense amount of progress" but challenges remained and argued that it was in Britain’s interests too to tackle Africa’s problems.
"We know there’s more that needs to be done in terms of aid, the world trade talks, building up Africa’s capability, for example for conflict resolution and the peacekeeping force that it will require.
"We also know there are still far too many Africans who die when their death is preventable with our help.
"However, it’s also worth pointing out that there is much that has been done."
He said debt relief had contributed about 38 billion dollars (£19m), alongside increases in aid, which were "significant, though not enough".
The Prime Minister added that "far more" people were receiving treatment for HIV/Aids, while millions of African children were getting education for the first time.
"When help is given, it does make a difference and there are health service systems and education systems that are being transformed and changed as a result of the help and commitment that has been given by the international community."
Chaired by Kofi Annan and funded by Bill Gates, the panel encourages and measures progress, reporting annually to the G8 and United Nations.
Bob Geldof and President Obasanjo of Nigeria are also involved.
Progress in tackling poverty since 2005
- Increases in global aid, up from $79 billion at Gleneagles to $103.9 billion this year. Aid to Africa up by $10 billion. The figures include significant levels of debt relief, particularly to Nigeria and Iraq
- UK aid is now £6.85 billion, up from £2.5 billion ten years ago
- 22 countries have benefited from 100 per cent debt relief, 18 of them in Africa. This amounts to $38 billion so far. Zambia used its debt relief to abolish health user fees, giving tens of thousands of people access to free healthcare
Image copyright: Reuters
delicious
digg
facebook
