Keeping promises, measuring results

Overview

Of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the two specifically concerned with improving the health of women and children are the furthest from being achieved by 2015. They are in urgent need of innovative and strategic actions, supported by political will and resources for greater impact. In September 2010, in an effort to accelerate progress, the Secretary-General of the United Nations launched the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health. The main goal of this strategy is to save 16 million lives by 2015 in the world’s 49 poorest countries. It has already mobilized commitments estimated at US$ 40 billion. However, commitments need to be honoured, efforts harmonized, and progress tracked. Actions need to address results and resources.