September 29, 2010
UN Summit outcome doesn't make the grade
Mariame Dem, WaterAid's Head of West Africa region speaking at a MDG rally at the Lincoln Centre in New York
WaterAid/David Winder
WaterAid was pleased to see significant references made to water and sanitation at the Millennium Development Goals Summit in New York.
However, there were mixed reactions to the outcome document from the Summit, which points to the importance of sanitation and water and their impacts on other areas of development, but made little reference to the required actions which will help achieve the Goals.
Meanwhile, WaterAid welcomed the Global Strategy for Women and Children's Health, launched by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
The MDGs are achievable with the right combination of political will and investment - well targeted aid works. We must strive for universal coverage to allow people to live healthy and dignified lives 
Barbara Frost, WaterAid Chief Executive
Barbara Frost, WaterAid Chief Executive, said: "The world can meet the MDGs but only if we focus attention and resources on the problem; that means targeting the poorest people and providing the basics of life. Improve sanitation and hygiene, and the health and prosperity of nations improves.
"The MDGs are achievable with the right combination of political will and investment - well targeted aid works. We must strive for universal coverage to allow people to live healthy and dignified lives."
Barbara shares her mixed emotions on the Summit's conclusions below:
ENDS