Multi-sector determinants of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health

Overview

Since 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have provided a framework for prioritizing and accelerating initiatives aimed at improving the health and welfare of the global population. Improvements to reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health are the focus MDGs 4 and 5, but other MDGs (e.g. eradication of poverty and hunger, access to primary education, promotion gender equality, and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases) have indirect influence on RMNCH, and progress towards health and development are closely linked. With the deadline for the MDGs fast approaching, there has been extensive consultation on the development of a Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda. Building on the MDGs, the development community has proposed a framework based on the four core dimensions of sustainable development: inclusive economic development; environmental sustainability; inclusive social development; and peace and security.