Brasília - The Minister of Social Development and Hunger Alleviation, Patrus Ananias, said yesterday (11) that Brazil will succeed in eliminating hunger and extreme poverty among the population. A proof of this, he affirmed, is that in 2005 the Family Grant program will reach 8.7 million families around the country, that is, 40 million Brazilian citizens. This is a social program to transfer income to families living in poverty. The object is to combat extreme poverty and social exclusion, encouraging the emancipation of poor families. These families receive monthly cash benefits.

The Minister asserted that the country is going through a stage that is fundamental to the achievement of the goals of the millenium, as defined by the United Nations (UN), because it resumed economic growth and was already promoting income distribution and social inclusion.

Ananias took part in the National Week of Mobilization for Citizenship and Solidarity, sponsored by the Federal Savings Bank. The gathering, which ends today, is discussing how Brazil has been attempting to meet the goals of the millenium, set forth by the UN in 2000. The goals, which are divided into eight areas - elimination of hunger and extreme poverty; quality basic education for all; gender equality and protection of women's rights; reduction of infant mortality; improved health care for pregnant women; actions to combat Aids, malaria, and other diseases; better quality of life; and respect for the environment - try to harmonize countries' economic and social development.

The Minister of Education, Tarso Genro, who also participated in the ceremony, said that for countries to achieve the goals of the millenium, they must establish an alternative to the current global economic model.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Paulo La Salvia
08/12/2004