About > History > The High Level Forum on the Health MDGs

(2004-2006) The High Level Forum on the Health MDGs:

The High-Level Forum (HLF) on the Health Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) provides an opportunity for candid dialogue between senior policy makers and identify opportunities for accelerating action on the health-related MDGs. Forum participants include ministers and senior officials from developing countries as well as heads of bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, regional organizations and global partnerships.

The First HLF on the Health MDGs took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in January 2004. Discussions focused on resources, aid effectiveness and harmonization and on human resources for health. Action on establishing a global Health Metrics Network was agreed.

The Second HLF on the Health MDGs was held in December 2004 in Abuja, Nigeria. Key points of discussion covered progress toward health MDGs in low and middle income countries; MDG-oriented poverty reduction and sector strategies; monitoring performance and tracking resource flows; action on the human resources crisis in health; and health in low-income countries under stress.

The Third HLF on the Health MDGs, was held in Paris, France, in November 2005. Major topics discussed were: financial sustainability and fiscal space; global health partnerships and aid effectiveness, and health in fragile states.

At the June 2006 Follow-on Meeting to the Post-HLF on the Health MDGs Tunis, Tunisia, participants agreed that action should be country-led and focused.

Countries need to develop robust and inclusive sector plans and to increase domestic financing for health.

Donors need to better respond to country needs, fulfill pledges to harmonize and align aid with country strategies, and provide long-term predicable financing.

For more information, please click on the links below.
High-Level Forum on the Health MDGs
HLF on Health MDGs - Action Points
Health and the MDGs
Indicators for the Health MDGs