[UK] End African poverty now, say stars

from The Belfast Telegraph

By Jude Sheerin

Ulster-born Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and former Irish President Mary Robinson have joined forces with high-profile figures from the world of politics, music and showbiz to support a major new campaign for free healthcare in Africa, it emerged today.

Save the Children will this week call on world leaders to deliver now on promises they made at last year's G8 summit to eradicate poverty in Africa.

The charity will publish a shock report on Tuesday detailing how many children die in Africa every year because they cannot afford to see a doctor or nurse.

Former UN human rights commissioner Mrs Robinson, ex-ER actress Alex Kingston, Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and indie rockers The Kooks are among those backing the "Ouch" campaign.

Gary Lightbody said: "I can't imagine what it must be like for families having to choose between putting food on the table or seeing the doctor. In this day and age we have to put a stop to it."

Mrs Robinson, who was the Republic's first female president, said: "Health fees discriminate against the poor. But the right to health is universal and allows no discrimination."

Alex Kingston, who is appearing in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest on the London stage, said: "Many children die in Africa every year simply because they can't afford to see a doctor or a nurse.

"These children could survive if healthcare was free."

Save the Children is urging people across the UK to show support for the free healthcare campaign by texting the word "Ouch" to 88600 (standard rates apply).

The messages will be part of a petition to be presented to Tony Blair at Downing Street, before this year's G8 summit at St Petersburg in July.

Konnie Huq said: "If healthcare was free in Africa, children's lives would be saved. It's as simple as that."

Joe Barrell, from Save the Children, said: "World leaders made promises - and as Nelson Mandela recently said: 'Promises to children should never be broken'."

To find out more about the campaign or get hold of an OUCH sticker visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/ouch.