Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced today at the Africa Partnership Forum that Canada will provide support to new initiatives in nine countries in Africa and will generate additional benefits in various other African regions.
The new initiatives include a significant focus on children and youth through support for basic services in health and education.
"CIDA is continuing to provide international assistance in Africa through initiatives aimed at improving child health and education as well as economic growth," said Minister Oda. "It is very important to support the children and youth and to provide them with opportunities leading to a bright future."
To prevent and treat common illnesses that affect children and youth, CIDA will fund training for front-line health workers and support for improvements in the management and delivery of primary health care services. This is an important step in advancing and improving child survival as well as maternal health in Africa.
Basic education is fundamental in allowing people, especially women and youth, to develop new skills, expand their knowledge, and break down the barriers that limit opportunities. Basic education skills of reading, writing, and counting will give them the necessary foundations needed to find meaningful jobs or start businesses.
These initiatives, worth up to $178 million, will also create opportunities for people living in poverty to live healthy lives and earn an income, through the improvement of Africa's infrastructure. They will also enable governments to make long-term development investments and initiate poverty reduction initiatives.
International assistance to Africa is important not only to Canada but also to current discussions, such as the G8 Development Ministerial Meeting held in Halifax this week. G8 Development Ministers met to address a number of pressing international development issues, including maternal and child health. G8 Development Ministers formed the outline of a coordinated and complementary approach to helping mothers and children under five that will help G8 Leaders finalize a global effort at the Muskoka Summit in June. This plan will catalyze efforts to save millions of mothers and children and help to overcome some of the world's key challenges.
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Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
