Canada to spend $1B on maternal health: sources

CBC News: Last Updated: Monday, May 31, 2010 | 7:32 AM PT

The federal government is telling other G8 countries that Canada is willing to put about $1 billion toward maternal and child health, as long as other countries ante up too, sources tell The Canadian Press. The Canadian cash will likely target poor countries with the worst records of maternal and child mortality and malnutrition. The amount is less than what Canada will spend to host the G8 and G20 summits at the end of June. New figures show the final bill for the three days of meetings could easily top $1.2 billion. It’s also far less than the $2 billion over five years that the United Nations' children's fund has said is necessary for Canada to make a meaningful difference in the health of poor mothers. (more)