Brown and Merkel: a healthy partnership

Despite what you might think, Gordon Brown's meeting with Angela Merkel yesterday was more than just a jolly to Wembley to watch the old arch-rivals England and Germany slog it out on the football pitch. They also talked some serious business about a new International Health Partnership that will be launched on 5 September. It will aim to use aid from rich countries more effectively to improve healthcare in developing countries.

Depending on the details of the initiative, it could make a real difference to people needing health care in the poorest countries. That will be something for Oxfam supporters to celebrate.

We'll post more information on this story when the official announcement is made. In the meantime, you can read more about Merkel and Brown's meeting here. And if you haven't done so already, sign our health petition now.