According to the World Health Organization [WHO] in the last five years of the 1980s the world's poorest 37 countries' spending on health fell by 50%. Women and children suffered most: in 1988 46 million women had their babies without the help of any trained personnel. About 15 million children under five die each year from preventable illnesses. And in 1991 UNICEF estimated that half a million children died as a direct result of debt.

Between 1982 and 1987 the total foreign debt of developing countries doubled. In 1990 they repaid 25% more in interest on their debts than they received in aid from wealthier nations. So average incomes in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa fell by up to 20% during the 1980s, but the price of basic foods trebled.

Lord, you taught us to practise self-sacrificial love, forgiving debts and giving generously to those in need. Help me to obey you in these respects, and pressure my government to do the same. Amen.