United Nations Day 2007:  “Global Health: A Critical Component to Development”

Millennium Development Goal 6 seeks to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases by halting and beginning to reverse the spread of these epidemics. Goal 6 is vital to development as the health of a nation’s citizens affects its social, economic and political interests.

Together, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis kill more than six million people a year. There is no, as researchers call it, “magic bullet” for fighting these epidemics. In order to control these deadly diseases a multifaceted approach must be taken, which combines education, prevention and treatment strategies. This includes teaching people how each disease is transmitted, ways to prevent transmitting or contracting them, and what to do if infection occurs.

One of the greatest challenges facing proven prevention and treatment strategies is making sure they are reaching those most at risk. This means not only making prevention and treatment programs physically accessible, but ensuring that they are affordable for the poor and that they are age, gender and culture appropriate.

The United Nations, national governments, nongovernmental organizations and many others are working to achieve MDG 6. Their efforts include working in the field, conducting research, developing techniques, mobilizing people to support the goal and providing financing to projects. Through their work and coordination, successful ways to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB have been developed and are improving in efficiency and scope.

However, few countries are on track to meet MDG 6. With 2007—the half-way point of the 2015 target—upon us, it is imperative that nations rededicate themselves to achieving this goal by fulfilling commitments made to help the world’s poorest.