The generation of good intentions but appalling inaction

2010 must be the year for decisive action. The G8/G20 meetings are a critical opportunity to kickstart the momentum needed to prevent the deaths of the most vulnerable in our global society. The MDG Summit later in the year can then harness that momentum, broaden the engagement of governments and drive rhetoric into reality for children and mothers in the mountains of Afghanistan, the streets of India and the fields of Ethiopia.

Investment in the health of women and children is an investment with demonstrable returns - including reduced poverty and improved economic performance in developing countries. Better healthcare and nutrition translate into improved performance at school for children and better work prospects for women.

Yet international investment in cost-effective, proven interventions, remain woefully inadequate. We’re not talking about investment levels on anything like the trillions summoned for the financial bailout. An estimated $30 billion - from developing countries and developed donor countries - is needed between now and 2015 to accelerate progress on MDGs 4 and 5.

With only five years to go, the necessary groundwork must be laid at the G8/G20 and followed through at the MDG Summit in September, so that this generation will not falter on its commitment to improve the lives of the world’s poorest.

Failure to embrace these opportunities will risk us being labelled the generation of good intentions but appalling inaction, a generation who saved banks and car companies from collapse, but not babies from preventable death.