Canadian PM Launches The Initiative to Save a Million Lives

The Canadian Prime Minister announced today that Canada, has formed with UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, an initiative to improve healthcare for mothers and children in Africa and Asia

Dar Es Salaam,Tanzania; Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper while visiting Tanzania announced that in partnership with UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Canada has launched an initiative to improve health care for impoverished mothers and children in Africa and Asia. The Initiative Save a Million Lives is designed to strengthen regional health systems through the provision of training for front line health workers as well as delivering affordable healthcare services directly to local communities. “The Canadian-led Initiative to Save a Million Lives will deliver basic, cost-effective and life-saving health services to mothers and children in countries where the needs are greatest,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Once fully implemented, the Initiative will save over 500 children’s lives every day.” “Canada is on track to double its aid to Africa by 2008-09, “said Prime Minister Harper. He added. “These actions are getting real results, including lower rates of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria, increased peace and security, stronger economic growth, and better governance.” Canada will contribute $105 million over a five year period to the Initiative and will train over 40,000 health workers as well as providing necessary and in-demand treatment for diseases such as malaria, measles and malnutrition.