Title: What will it cost to attain the health MDGs? [editorial]

POPLINE Document Number: 314825

Author(s):

Nordstrom A
Edejer TT
Evans D

Source citation:

Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2007 Apr;85(4):245-324.

Abstract:

There is an old saying that "amateurs talk strategy and professionals talk logistics". A professional approach to achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) requires us to move beyond the discussion of possible strategies that could be used. It requires active planning of the practical actions that need to be taken, including raising the necessary funds to ensure these actions can be financed. This cannot be done without information on the costs of implementing the logistical plans. Without detailed plans, countries cannot be sure if they will meet the MDGs. Without accurate costing, countries and donors do not know the extent of the additional funds that will be required. This is a particularly important issue now that we are nearly halfway between the signing of the Millennium Declaration and the target date for achievement, 2015. All recent assessments suggest that few countries are on track and that intensified efforts to raise and use funds well are needed. How much additional funding is required, and where should it be spent? (excerpt)

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Critique
Recommendations
Evaluation
Policymakers
UN
Goals
Development Policy
Health Policy
Development Planning
Economic Factors
Administrative Personnel
Organization and Administration
International Agencies
Organizations
Political Factors
Sociocultural Factors
Planning
Policy