The pursuit of the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from 2000 – 2015 has yielded extensive, invaluable experience for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in supporting Member States to achieve broad, ambitious human development targets. Substantial progress was made under some key health targets, with both reasons to celebrate achievements and to encourage scaled-up and more focused action in others. This document summarizes the achievements under the explicitly health-oriented MDGs, and the remaining challenges to be considered in implementing the post-2015 agenda. In order to maintain a Regional perspective, data from across the entire Region of the Americas is included where relevant, with a particular spotlight on the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2015 the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) come to the end of their term, and a post-2015 agenda, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), takes their place. We stand on the threshold of a new era. This is an important moment to look back at the trends that have defined health-related development under the MDGs, noting achievements, highlighting lessons learned, drawing attention to unfinished business, and looking forward to the challenges we must now face.

The present document summarizes the key recommendations from this group of experts and highlights important considerations for implementing the Plan of Action. These recommendations are followed by a concise outline of concrete actions that should be taken in the Region, the expected time frame for action, and identification of the entities responsible for ensuring that the actions are carried out. The outline follows the format laid out in the Plan of Action on Health in All Policies, based on the six strategic lines of action and their specific objectives, with approved indicators for monitoring and evaluation.