Viet Nam and the MDGs

Viet Nam’s success in the MDGs is well-known. Poverty levels, maternal health figures are according to reported figures, already meeting the standards set by the MDGs. But this progress is tenuous and issues of quality, equity and distribution is key to measuring Viet Nam’s achievements. With so many of Viet Nam’s people on the precipice of the poverty line, any major economic or natural disaster will only set Viet Nam back. UNDP advocates for quality and equity and ensuring that the MDGs are achieved at each and every commune in Viet Nam.

Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger

Although world poverty rates have declined since 1990, 1.2 billion people still live on less than $1 a day. Viet Nam has already met the target of halving poverty by reducing the proportion of people living below the poverty line to approximately 35% in 2000. Viet Nam is aiming to reduce the poverty rate by a further 40% by 2010. While impressive achievements, the challenge now is to reduce increasing disparities and reach the deep pockets of poverty in every region of the country.

Achieve Universal Primary Education

Globally, 113 million children do not attend school, but this goal is within reach. Viet Nam, for example, is very likely to achieve full primary enrolment by 2015, given its high 95% net enrolment rate in primary education in 1999. However, improving the quality of education, expanding basic education towards international universal primary education targets, and reducing disparities in access and coverage present major challenges.

Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women

Two-thirds of the world's illiterates are women. By setting the target to eliminate gender gaps in primary and secondary education by 2005 and illiteracy for women under the age of 40 by 2010, Viet Nam re-states its commitment towards this goal. However, girls comprise 70% of all drop-outs, often due to their expected role in family economic activities and again, geographic disparities persist.

Reduce Child Mortality

Worldwide, I I million young children die every year, but that number is down from 15 million in 1980. Viet Nam has successfully reduced its under-five mortality rate from around 58 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to some 48 per 1,000 live births, but reaching the full target of a two-thirds reduction by 2015 will require much greater efforts and assistance.

Improve Maternal Health

In the developing world, the risk of dying in childbirth is one in 48. But virtually all countries now have safe motherhood programmes and are poised for progress. Viet Nam has reduced maternal mortality rate from 200 per 100,0100 live births in 1990 to 100 and set the target to reduce the rate further to 70 by 2010 with particular attention to disadvantaged and ethnic minority areas.

Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases

HIV/AIDS threatens to erase a generation of development gains in many nations. Countries like Brazil, Senegal and Thailand have shown that we can stop HIV in its tracks. Viet Nam has set the target to slow the increase of the spread of HIWAIDS by 2005 and halve the rate of increase by 2010. The challenge is to take urgent action against the epidemic in a multi-sectoral manner now. Continued leadership is needed to avert a potential crisis.

Ensure Environmental Sustainability

More than one billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, but during the 1990s, nearly one billion gained access to safe water and sanitation. Viet Nam has increased the share of population with access to safe water from 48% in 1990 to 56% in 2000 and set a target to increase the share a further to 85% in rural areas by 2010.

Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Poverty reduction and sustainable development are clearly linked to trade, debt relief and aid. Fair terms of trade for developing countries are necessary to generate employment opportunities and income. In this regard, Viet Nam faces some significant challenges in light of the country's planned accelerated integration into the regional and global economies. Ensuring social equity and sustainability of the country's development process will require great efforts.

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