Accelerating Equitable Achievement of the MDGs: Closing Gaps in Health and Nutrition Outcomes

Abstract

This report focuses on disparities in Millennium Development Goals' (MDG) achievement within and between countries, to address major bottlenecks holding back MDG progress in Asia and the Pacific.

With less than 5 years to go before 2015, work has begun on a post-2015 development agenda. This report - sixth in the series published by ADB, ESCAP, and UNDP on MDG achievement in Asia and the Pacific region - is part of that effort.

The report, Accelerating Equitable Achievement of the MDGs: Closing Gaps in Health and Nutrition Outcomes, focuses on disparities in MDG achievement within and between countries, to address major bottlenecks holding back MDG progress in Asia and the Pacific region. Even countries making rapid economic progress continue to lose shocking numbers of children before their fifth birthdays as well as thousands of mothers who die unnecessarily during childbirth. Given the lagging performance on health outcomes in the region, the report delves into the causes and shows the many opportunities that exist to achieve good health for all. It discusses options, both within and outside of the health sector that could help bring about a turnaround in performance on health in the region, thus accelerating progress in achievement of all the MDGs.

The report is a result of wide consultations, not just amongst ADB, ESCAP, and UNDP, but also with many UN agencies participating in the Regional Coordination Mechanism. It is a resource which policy makers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders shuold find useful in addressing the remaining challenges in achieving the MDGs.