Millennium Development Goals in the WHO European Region. A situational analysis at the eve of the five-year countdown

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a historic framework providing focus and accountability in addressing some of the world’s most pressing development challenges. While the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region have made significant advances towards achieving some of the MDGs, action has stagnated in some areas, and inequities in progress persist between and within countries. With only five years left for the fulfilment of many of the MDG targets – and in light of threats including the food price, economic and financial, and environmental crises –the decision to scale up commitment and action is needed now more than ever before.

This report provides a situational analysis of progress towards the MDGs in the WHO European Region on the eve of the five-year countdown to 2015. It addresses all MDGs: those focusing on health (child health, maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, including tuberculosis) and those addressing key determinants of health (poverty, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and global partnership for development). Throughout the discussion, the report gives special attention to inequities (in health, the health sector and beyond) and synergies between the MDGs. By providing an overview of progress towards the MDGs in the WHO European Region, the WHO Regional Office for Europe hopes that this report contributes to a wider debate by all stakeholders on how jointly to deliver on these commitments to human development, and to work together towards the attainment by all peoples of the highest attainable level of health.