With 77 million children out of school, urgent action is needed to achieve universal primary education. The UK has made a long-term £8.5 billion commitment and is working with developing countries and other donors to develop and fund the long-term plans needed. The EC, World Bank, France, US, and Australia have all joined the international effort by committing new funds to education and private sector companies are working with African countries to support their efforts. Progress is being made: Enrolment in school in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 27 per cent. between 1999 and 2004. But more needs to be done.