For the first time in 20 years, we are losing progress on ending extreme poverty. The devastating secondary effects of COVID are widening the gaps of inequality, or the divide between those who have and those who don’t have adequate money and healthcare.
More than 150 million people are predicted to be pushed into extreme poverty by the end of 2021. About 10,000 more children will die from hunger every month.
Canada has an opportunity to become a leader in global health.
The Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) is a country driven fund housed at the World Bank that supports countries to deliver high-impact health and nutrition interventions that generate results. It is an instrument that is about delivery of primary healthcare, and ensures that resources go where they need to go.
The GFF is in need of funding now. Canada should contribute $250 million over three years.
We must aim at closing the divide and not let it keep widening.
Nora Hagen, Cochrane