MDGs 4, 5 are achievable with political will - report

By Kenneth Simbaya

  Ten countries notch substantial progress

Evidence for Action

Health targets are achievable even in adverse conditions, when there is strong and focused political commitment, use of robust evidence to guide policy and investment decisions in development basics such as girls’ education, clean water, and roads.

The Guardian has learnt that 10 countries, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda and Vietnam were not deterred by their country’s economic growth or political unrest and have achieved substantial progress to achieving Millennium Development Goals number 4 and 5.


According to an advocacy booklet availed to the Guardian by Sara Bandali from Evidence for Action the 10 countries apart from demonstrating focused strong political commitment, investing in girls’ education, and other development basics they also brokered strong partnership between their governments, civil society, development partners and private sector to achieve their goals.

According to the evidence provided, these countries which are improving the health of women and children are also making progress in achieving the other MDGs.

According to the report titled Success Factors for Women’s and Children’s Health released on Monday at the 3rd Partner’s Forum Meeting taking place here, despite political and economic challenges, rapid reduction of maternal, and child mortality and dramatic improvement in reproductive health and rights are possible.

Success Factors for Women’s and Children’s Health according to a statement issued by the conference organisers is a result of a study done jointly between The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn (PMNCH), the World Bank, World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research.

Other study partners are the United State Agency for International Development, Johns Hopkins University, Global Health Insights, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of St Gallen, Cambridge Economic Policy Associates and Mama Ye-Evidence for Action.

“A better understanding of how some countries have been able to prevent maternal and child deaths, can inform all partner’s strategies to accelerate progress for women’s and children’s health,” said Dr Carole Presern, PMNCH Executive Director.

“While every country has it own challenges, sustained political will and vision, evidence-based, high impact investments, and strong partnership across societies can save lives and set a way forward for sustainable health and development,” added Dr Presern.

The Partners’ Forum which ends today has been co-hosted by South African government, PMNCH, Countdown to 2015, a promise Renewed, and independent Expert Review Group.  

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN