20-22 of September, NYC. Accelerate progress to meet MDGs by 2015.

At the Millenium Summit in September 2000, UN Member states adopted the Millenium Declaration. It recognises the significant challenges faced by many of the world’s developing countries and lays out a framework to reduce extreme poverty and promote inclusive development, peace, security and human rights. The Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) are a direct result of the framework set out in the Millenium Declaration.

UN member states met again in 2005 to reaffirm their commitment to the MDGs and review progress, and will meet once more later this month where the primary objective will be to accelerate progress to meeting all Millenium Development Goals by 2015.

Although significant advances have been made in the last ten years since the Millenium Summit, the MDGs are still far from being met. Increased financial investment is needed together with strong political will from governments and implementing partners in order for the goals to be met by 2015.

If the Global Fund continues to scale up at the same pace as recent years, through its work it will be possible to meet MDG 6 (combat HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria), and contribute significantly to meeting MDG 4 (reducing child mortality) and MDG 5 (maternal health).

The MDG Summit comes at an important moment for the Global Fund; US$20 billion is needed from the Third Voluntary Replenishment which will take place only a few days later on the 4th-5th of October. If we are serious about meeting the health-related Millenium Development Goals, we need to see this reflected in the commitments made by governments and other donors at the Replenishment in October.

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