Health superheroes take to the New York streets
By Louise Tait in New York - 22nd September 2010
It's time for EU politicians to dust off their dress up boxes and try their superhero costumes on for size
New York really does have it all. This week, it even has its very own superheroes.
Okay, so these particular superheroes aren't New York's to keep - after the MDG review summit draws to a close on Wednesday, Manhattan's going to have to make do without them once again.
So, superheroes. What's that all about? In a word, health. The three health MDGs are those most off-track, and it's going to a take a concerted effort from world and EU leaders to sort it all out by 2015. The Action for Global Health superheroes took to the New York city sidewalks to send a message to our politicians - keep your promises and make health a priority.
There has certainly been plenty of debate on the health targets - from challenges like the health workforce crisis to success and lessons learned - over the three days, not least of which is the launch of Ban Ki-moon's global strategy on women's and children's health (Wednesday 22 September).
As I write this, I'm listening to some inspiring stories from countries such as Nepal and Botswana on how we can accelerate progress on MDG five (maternal health). I'm going to have to turn back time if I'm going to make it to another event on malaria control on time. Maybe I can get hold of one of those superhero capes and fly over to the Helmsley hotel? It's one way to make an entrance, I suppose.
One thing seems clear - everyone knows what it's going to take if the health MDGs are to be met by 2015. Perhaps more importantly, everyone knows what's at stake if things don't change.
As the world's largest donor of overseas aid, the EU is well placed to take on the challenge of scaling up progress on MDGs four, five and six. It's time for EU politicians to dust off their dress up boxes and try their superhero costumes on for size. They might find a fetching cape and eye mask combination suits them rather well.
Now there's a thought…
Louise Tait is communications and advocacy assistant at the Plan EU liaison office
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