Accountability is key to making Minister Oda's announcement effective, says<br>World Vision

Millions of children are counting on our government's promises

TORONTO, Nov. 1 /CNW/ - World Vision is pleased that Canada is demonstrating commitment to the world's most vulnerable people, but want to ensure the government pushes for the accountability of the Muskoka initiative right down to the local level. Canada's support is crucial in making sure that health services are reaching the most vulnerable children in their own homes.

World Vision commends Minister Oda's announcement and the progress of this initiative.

"Of course we're pleased with Minister Oda's announcement today. We are happy to see a focus on bringing care close to home for moms and children in developing countries. But at the end of the day, we want to make sure that this leads to concrete change for the people who need it most." - Caroline Riseboro, VP Public Affairs, World Vision Canada.

Facts

• Last year, just over 8 million children and at least 350,000 women died from preventable causes. These children died from things like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition and a general lack of access to basic health care. Maternal deaths occur over pregnancy and childbirth because women are undernourished, don't have access to pre and post-natal care or emergency help when they need it.
• Undernutrition is the underlying cause of 3.5 million under 5 child deaths each year and is also responsible for 35% of the disease burden in children under 5.
• World Vision launched a global Child Health Now Campaign in November 2009 to call on Canada and other world Leaders to work together to make progress in saving the lives of women and children.

Links:

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:
Rachel Allred, cell: 647-328-3769, [email protected]