Millennium Development Goals in the WHO European Region

A situational analysis on the eve of the 5-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. In the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, there have been significant advances in meeting some of the MDGs, as evidenced in this report. However, there are also areas where action has stagnated and persisting inequities in progress between and within countries. With only five years left for the fulfillment of many of the MDG targets—and in light of threats including the food price, economic and financial, and environmental crises—now more than ever before the decision to scale up commitment and action is needed.