Achieving United Nations' Millennium Development goals

In this September 6 photo, homeless mother Myrna Botongan, shares a meal given by good Samaritans with her children Almira (right), and Minerva on a street in the Quiapo area of Manila, Philippines.

With only five years left to wrap up the United Nations' Millennium Development goals, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a US$40-billion health-care plan for women and children.

The UN launched its 15-year plan in 2000 with eight goals that include plans to end extreme poverty hunger and disease. But progress has not been quick enough to reach the expected targets and goals 4 and 5 to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health are in danger of being left unfulfilled.

The US$40 billion secured from governments, the private sector, philanthropic groups, and international organisations are new funds to address those goals.

According to Secretary-General Ban, the investment will have a multiplier effect that could improve the remaining goals.

The programme will improve family-planning services access to basic health care and the pool of trained health-care professionals.

 - AP Photo