MDG 5 : Global actions to improve indicators

Of the 8 Millennium Development Goals, MDG 5- Improve Maternal Health and its targets to Reduce by Three quarters the maternal mortality ratio and to Achieve Universal Access to Reproductive Health by 2015 are lagging behind in many regions of the world. Objective This presentation will discuss the challenges and triumphs associated with MDG 5 from 2000 to the present with a focus on the role of Mobile Health including use of cell phone technology and social media played in improving MDG 5. It will also highlight the role of MDG 3 in improving maternal health globally.

Methodology A comparison of 2 case studies from countries Asia and Africa (analysis of secondary data) will be discussed and highlights of the reasons attributed to the challenges and success will be discussed.

Results 1. Lack of access to reproductive health services and skilled birth attendants are major contributors to high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in low and mid income countries. 2. Success stories in low and mid income countries can be attributed to team work and increased partnerships between UN agencies, foundations, governments and NGOs.

Conclusion The targets associated with MDG 5 can be improved by increasing the rates of secondary education to girls , reducing teenage pregnancies , improving access to contraception, and improving access to emergency and comprehensive obstetric care. In addition empowering women to space their families and have more decision making power are crucial for countries to make progress to achieve MDG 5 by 2015.