Westport, CT (July 13, 2005) – Save the Children is encouraged by the pledge of G-8 leaders to double foreign assistance to poor countries, including nations in Africa, by 2010. Previous funding commitments by leaders of the world’s richest nations have already contributed to saving the lives of millions of young children and opening the door for millions more children, especially girls, to go to school.

While we need to increase foreign assistance to Africa and other poor countries, we also need to work with these countries to help them become more transparent and accountable for the aid they receive, and to ensure the funds benefit the health and education of children and families most in need. The U.N. Millennium Summit in September would be a key moment to talk with African leaders about their part in improving governance while also working to lift their countries out of poverty.

We will continue to work with Americans concerned about the health and well-being of the world’s children through initiatives like the ONE and Rx for Child Survival™ campaigns to ensure the U.S. follows through on its pledge by 2010. We know from our work on the ground in more than 40 countries worldwide, the lives and future of millions of children depend on it.