"The Millennium Goals call for action

that is intersectoral, integrated,

  and focused on equity"

    Dr. Mirta Roses-Periago,

Director

WELCOME

Our Objectives:

Welcome to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) webpage   of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This web site aims to collect and systematize available health MDG-related data and therefore facilitate its use for the analysis of the regions' development and challenges. Founded in 1906, PAHO has been at the forefront in the fight against illness and disease thought out its history. As part of the United Nations system, it enjoys international recognition serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. PAHO is also the health organization of the Inter-American System.

What are MDGs:

The MDGs are a special challenge for the Americas, region that while not the poorest, is the most unequal. The MDGs emphasis on addressing all forms of inequality is a historic opportunity, a chance to capitalize on the highest and most unambiguous level of political will. An chance to mobilize the efforts of developing and developed countries towards achieving measurable and tangible goals, and as a result significant improvements on the lives of those most in need. The core values of the MDGs are closely linked to PAHO's values, vision, and mission and therefore are a critical element of the organization's technical cooperation.

Health and Economic development:

PAHO has long recognized that health is a necessary pre-condition for securing development. Health facilitates economic growth, reduces poverty, advances education, preserves the environment, promotes democracy, and secures the freedoms essential for human dignity(1). Indeed, Health is the human face of development. The work of the organization should therefore maximize progress towards the achievement of the MDGs, and thus contribute to sustainable development for the people of the Americas.

(1) Adapted from the Quadrennial report of the Director of PAHO, 2002