From the Frontlines

A friendship with a priest from Africa inspired Alex to raise awareness and resources to meet the medical needs of a village in Uganda. His initiative was honored by NetAid.

Many of the poorest countries in the world are already showing that, with political commitment, the Millennium Development Goals can be achieved. 2005 is a critical year to mobilize constituencies, says veteran civil society leader and Millennium Campaign director Salil Shetty.

Humanitarian organizations prove daily they can provide for those victimized by disease, disaster, or war, but long-term solutions to persistent poverty lie in removing obstacles created by trade barriers, colonial history, tribal bias, and corrupt governments, says Action Against Hunger-USA.

When women have an extra dollar a day, they send their children to school, put food on the table, and help break the cycle of poverty. Women must be at the center of efforts to eradicate poverty, says Ritu Sharma.

There are millions of people who, if given the right financial tools—business training, tiny loans, and savings accounts—are able to work themselves and their families out of poverty. Microfinance is a unique solution to poverty that taps into the entrepreneurial spirit, says ACCION International.