Nurses—Making a Difference in Global Health

UN Millennium Development Goals

At the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000, 189 world leaders made a historic promise to the world by signing a Millennium Declaration to “uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level...(and maintain) a duty, therefore, to all the world's people, especially the most vulnerable and, in particular, the children of the world, to whom the future belongs." 

The result: Eight UN Millennium Development Goals with measurable targets and clear deadlines to improve the lives of everyone, particularly the world's poorest people. See how nurses around the globe are contributing to that promise.

The MDG Monitor  shows how countries are progressing in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. With the 2015 target date fast approaching, it is more important than ever for nurses to understand where the goals are on track, and where additional efforts and support are needed, both globally and at the country level.

GOAL 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal 

GOAL 2: Achieve universal primary education

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal 

GOAL 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

GOAL 4: Reduce child mortality

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

GOAL 5: Improve maternal health

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

GOAL 6: Combat HIV, AIDS, malaria and all communicable and
                  non-communicable diseases*

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

GOAL 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

GOAL 8: Develop a global partnership for development

Learn how nurses are advocating for and helping achieve this goal

Source: UN Millennium Development Goals

*2010 IYNurse joins the worldwide call for including this language in MDG #6.  Learn more >>