UN Report Shows Projected Results for MDG Health Targets by Year End

This is the final year for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were set by  governments in 2000 to guide global initiatives to end poverty. The World Heath Organization (WHO) released the World Health Statistics, which showed mixed results on the progress of health-related goals in each of the 194 countries. According to WHO, if the current trends continue, the world will have met the global targets on health by the end of the year by turning the epidemics of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, and increasing access to potable water. Furthermore, substantial progress will also be achieved in decreasing child undernutrition, maternal and child deaths, and increasing access to basic sanitation.

"The MDGs have been good for public health. They have focused political attention and generated badly needed funds for many important public health challenges," says Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO's Director General. "While progress has been very encouraging, there are still wide gaps between and within countries. Today's report underscores the need to sustain efforts to ensure the world's most vulnerable people have access to health services."

Read the news release at UN News Centre.