Uganda: 'Millennium Development Goals Attainable' (21/11/07)
 

As the Commonwealth countries meet in Uganda this week, they will check the progress in the Millennium Development Goals. In 2000, all the Commonwealth countries signed up to the goals by 2015.
 
 
According to the Commonwealth secretariat, the year could end "on a note of optimism" because "we are a world that is rich in knowledge, science and technology and proven approaches to fighting poverty, hunger and disease and I think the world is going to get the job done."

At a UN assembly in September 2005, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon highlighted reasons why the Secretariat works towards the goals. McKinnon said: "One third of the Commonwealth's 1.8b people live on less than one dollar a day.

Almost two thirds of the world's HIV/AIDS cases and maternal deaths take place in Commonwealth countries. More than half of the world's 115 million children without education are to be found in the Commonwealth.

"That is why the Commonwealth not only has an interest in achieving the MDGs but also a responsibility to do so."

He said efforts must go beyond the "target of halving income poverty and reach the Goal - that is, the total eradication of extreme poverty and hunger."

Source: New Vision

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