by Paris Kaye

Created on: October 03, 2009

Out of every ten deaths worldwide, six are due to non-communicable conditions; three to communicable, reproductive or nutritional conditions; and one due to injuries. Many developing countries have mortality patterns that reflect high levels of infectious diseases and the risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth, in addition to the cancers, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases that account for most deaths in the developed world (World Health Statistics, 2009).

The World Health Organization, also known as W.H.O., is the authority for health issues within the United Nations system. The W.H.O. is responsible for providing leadership on global health issues, shaping health research, setting standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring/assessing health trends.

In the year 2000, the World Health Organization created the Millennium Development Goals, or MDG. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are eight goals that all 191 UN member states have agreed to try to achieve by the year 2015.

The Millennium Development Goals include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality rates, improving maternal health, combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development.

While reducing mortality rates, improving maternal health and combating disease are essential health issues addressed by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the remaining goals are both necessary and sufficient for achieving those health-related objectives.

W.H.O. reports, at the midpoint between 2000 and 2015, the analysis shows encouraging signs of progress, particularly in child health; it points to areas where current gains need to be sustained, particularly in relation to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; and areas where there has been little or no movement, notably maternal and newborn health.

More detailed and updated data for 2008, reported in World Health Statistics 2009, show major differences in progress between and within countries and regions. Looking forward to 2015 and beyond, the challenges presented by weak health systems, the health transition and emerging health threats will become increasingly prominent.

In May 2009, the W.H.O. presented information as to the progress of the Millennium Development Goals. Some of the

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