G-8 Leaders Should Invest More in Public Health, Key Agencies Say

In an open letter published in the International Herald Tribune, a chorus of world health leaders called on the G-8 nations to further their long-term commitments against AIDS, TB, malaria, polio, and other health threats. While previous contributions by G-8 members have achieved progress, the letter said little has been done toward the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention, treatment and care programs, or to build up Africa’s health care systems. The G-8 countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States -- will meet next month in Japan. Supporting the call for greater public health spending are leaders from the World Health Organization; UNICEF; UNAIDS; the UN Population Fund; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria; the GAVI Alliance for vaccines; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and the World Bank.

Back to other news for June 2008