MyUSTINET News: G8 Countries Reaffirm Pledges To Africa

TOYAKO, Japan, July 8 (UPI) -- The Group of Eight leaders, meeting in Japan, renewed their pledge to assist Africa on economic development and health and education matters.

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In a statement, the countries' leaders renewed commitments made at previous summits to pump $25 billion of the Official Development Assistance fund's $50 billion to Africa by the year 2010.

"We also reiterate that our focus on development cooperation should be on the promotion of good governance and self-sustained, private sector-led economic growth in developing countries", the statement read.

The countries restated their pledge to fight infectious diseases and to work toward universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care by 2010.

In addition, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Britain and the United States pledged continue support of "our African partners' commitment to ensure that by 2015 all children would have access to basic healthcare", agreeing to provide $60 billion over five years to fight infectious diseases and strengthen healthcare initiatives.

Regarding education the G8 statement said the organization remains committed to Education for All and international agencies that implement it, as well as support efforts for universal primary education.

In tackling the development agenda, the G8 said it would take a multifaceted approach, "promoting synergies ... particularly among health, water and education, in a framework of sustainable development."

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