MDGs (The) – Are we on track?

UN Chronicle, Volume XLIV Number 4, 2007

Excerpt from UN Chronicle introduction

“The MDGs, drawn from the Millennium Declaration adopted by all UN Member States in 2000, are not merely lofty statements of intent but a set of 18 concrete targets—and precise monitoring mechanisms to track and review progress towards the achievement of these Goals.

We have crossed the midpoint between the adoption of the MDGs and the 2015 target date—and the data available indicate results have been uneven. While we have seen some gains worldwide, the overall success is still far from assured, with each region telling a different story.

The UN Chronicle has decided to devote two special issues to the MDGs, asking: Are we on track to achieve the MDGs? What has been accomplished and what remains to be done? In this issue, the key challenges in attaining the first seven Goals (MDGs 1 to 7), which have fixed targets for 2015 are reviewed. This special issue features articles from 33 contributors, many of them important leaders in support of the Millennium Development Goals. “

Articles on MDGs 4 and 5 from Partners and the Partnership

“Despite the concerted efforts of many players, global progress in child survival has slowed compared to the advances of previous decades. Maternal mortality—deaths of women in pregnancy and childbirth—remains at almost the same level as 20 years ago. Halfway to 2015, the target set in 2000 by world leaders to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 on child and maternal health are furthest off track”, writes Dr Francisco Songane.

"...great health inequities still exist within and between countries. While there are individual stories of progress, current trends suggest that many low-income countries will not reach the health-related MDGs by 2015. The situation is particularly alarming in sub-Saharan Africa, where progress towards the MDGs remains behind schedule and where over 40 per cent of all child deaths occur. For maternal mortality, evidence indicates that declines have been limited to countries with lower levels of mortality. Countries with the highest maternal mortality rates are experiencing stagnation or even reversals, and those affected by armed conflict or generalized HIV epidemics show the least progress or even reversals of previous gains." says Dr Margaret Chan.

Other articles relevant to MDGs 4 and 5
Share
Email Twitter Facebook Google Delicious LinkedIn
More...