The eradication of world poverty may seem like an unsurmountable challenge but with the G8 cancellation of debt in 18 countries around the world and 14 in Africa there are steps being taken in the right direction.

Countries that are no longer saddled with billions of dollars in debt are able to put money into education, health care and infrastructure rather than paying of the excessive interest incurred by "bad faith" loans.  

Many of the loans were lent to corrupt governments, dictators who used the funds inappropriately, and with the intention of gaining interest and spending bank surpluses by the lenders.  So even though 14 countries have been rescued from unending debt the majority of Africa is drowing in a sea of interest payments. Many countries are still crippled by exorbitant interest rates and remain in debt. Some of the poorest countries are forced to pay more in the reduction of their debt than they receive in new loans and aid, continuing the viscous cycle of poverty on the continent.