2009 was not a “dead year” for G8's health agenda

In calling for coordinated development policies inspired by the Paris Declaration, the G8 does respond to concerns for the failure in progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. However, statements cannot stimulate progress unless working methods change. To “walk the talk”, global leaders must abandon rhetoric-driven communiqués and engage in verifiable, binding agreements based on medium-term and long-term plans with financial coverage. Strong commitment and effective action for universal health coverage is possibly the single most significant and concrete objective to be pursued.