Christian leaders - as part of the 'Micah Challenge' coalition - are calling on Western governments to keep their promises on tackling global poverty.

The call comes in the light of a report by the Africa Progress Panel, which was set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair, to monitor the promises on poverty made by the G8 nations at Gleneagles in 2005.

While the UK is on track to meet its Gleneagles commitments, other countries are lagging behind.

The Africa Progress Panel's report says governments are "falling well short on delivering their commitments".

Charles Badenoch, Chief Executive Officer of the development charity World Vision, said: "Since Gleneagles, we have allowed so many other priorities to take precedence over our commitment to fund development programmes designed to lift millions out of poverty in Africa.

"The international community has poured resources towards issues of international security at the expense of the poor. It's time it made good its promises."

Dr Andrew Fergusson, Head of Communications for the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "As a member body of the Micah Challenge, and with CMF members working in needy areas in Africa, Christian Medical Fellowship has a particular concern about the tragic health impact of poverty in Africa, and supports the Micah Challenge call on Western governments."

Joel Edwards, Co-Chair of Micah Challenge International, said: "It is so disappointing when promises, made in good faith, seem to come to nothing.

"We urge leaders to stick to their promises. Extreme global poverty can be beaten, if there's the political will to do so."

Micah Challenge UK is a coalition of Christian organisations and churches in Britain, united in their concern to fight global poverty. Members include the African & Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, Alpha International/HTB, BMS World Mission, Christian Medical Fellowship, Christian Today, Evangelical Alliance, Faithworks, Tearfund and World Vision among others.

For more information on the Micah Challenge, please visit: www.micahchallenge.org.uk