Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. G8 Leaders Called on to Address Poverty, Maternal and Child Health Joe DeCapua 18 June 2010 In the run-up to next weekâs G8 and G20 summits many ngos and humanitarian organizations are calling on world leaders to boost funding and fulfill past promises. But the troubled global economy may play a role on what leaders decide to do. One of the many aid organizations that will attend the summits is World Vision, which has programs in 100 countries. Robert Zachritz, World Visionâs director of advocacy and government relations in Washington, says, âWe know the global economy is going to be the major aspect of discussion at both the Group of 8 and Group of 20 meetings. But World Vision is really looking forward to ensure that global poverty is on the agenda, and specifically child and maternal health.â A little goes a long way Despite the poor economy, Zachritz says progress on those issues can be made. âThese are investments that really can save lives, that donât cost that much money and have a high rate of return and need to be considered and keep political momentum moving on them,â he says. While some new resources may be needed, he says, âIn relative to what weâre spending in the global economy it doesnât look like that much. But yet can have a huge impact in saving the childrenâs lives.â G8 Many children, he says, are dying from preventable causes. Several of the Millennium Development Goals concern child and maternal health. Zachritz expects the economy to be front and center at the G8 and G20 summits, but adds, âGlobal poverty is equally an important issue. Pat on the back âLetâs also give the G8 and G20 credit where credit is due. They have made progress to the âGleneagles Commitmentsâ back in 2005.â For example, he says, on HIV/AIDS, âThe U.S. government kept its promise.â He says the Obama administration is also on track to keep its promise regarding funding for food security. âPart of the message is how do you create a system of accountability⦠when G8/G20 leaders make promises,â he says. Political leaders can change and with them their goals and commitments. 2015 The target date to reach the Millennium Development Goals is 2015. Some groups say whether those goals are achieved may depend on what happens at the Canadian summits. Zachritz says prospects for some MDGs are better than others. âOne of the things that I think is really special about the Millennium development Goals is they werenât âpie in the sky.â It was specific goals with specific outcomes, like child and maternal health,â he says. He estimates the world is two-thirds of the way toward achieving that goal. âWorld vision believes that is possible,â he says, âwith both the political will and the attention and an increase in resourcesâ¦. Itâs not just about money. Itâs aid effectiveness. Of making sure youâre focusing on the right interventions.â He describes the summits as âcritical,â adding, âYou get synergy when you have whether itâs 7, 8 or 20 world leaders, the worldâs major economies, talking about these issues.â .