The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled 'World Health Statistics 2015,' which compiles data from 194 member States and summarizes progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets.
WHO reports that by the end of 2015, the world is likely to achieve the MDGs for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and drinking water access.
However, the international community will likely fall short of other health-related goals.
13 May 2015: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report, titled ‘World Health Statistics 2015,’ which compiles data from 194 member States and summarizes progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets. WHO reports that, by the end of 2015, the world is likely to achieve the MDGs for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and drinking water access. However, the international community will likely fall short of achieving other health-related goals.
The report finds that the spread of HIV has begun to decline, with 2.1 million new infections reported in 2013, compared to 3.4 million in 2001. In addition, the target of placing 15 million people in low- and middle-income countries on antiretroviral therapy (ARTs) in 2015 will likely be exceeded. However, even where goals have been met, WHO stresses that progress is quite uneven across countries and efforts to provide health services to the most vulnerable must be sustained.
On water and sanitation, the goal for access to drinking water was met in 2010, but the MDG on basic sanitation is unlikely to be met. The report elaborates that over a billion people worldwide are forced to defecate in open spaces or near water sources, further risking their health.
The report notes positive progress in child and maternal survival. Since 1990, child deaths have almost halved, as have maternal deaths due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. However, WHO notes the goals for these death rates, reductions of two-thirds and 75%, respectively, will not be met. In addition, 25% of women who want to prevent or delay childbearing in the WHO African region do not have access to contraceptives, according to the report.
Despite mixed results, WHO General-Director Margaret Chan highlighted that, overall the “MDGs have been good for public health. They have focused political attention and generated badly needed funds for many important public health challenges.” [UN Press Release] [WHO Publication Webpage] [Publication: World Health Statistics 2015] [WHO MDGs Fact Sheet]