Tuvalu Launches Second MDG Report

Funafuti, Tuvalu - August 24) Tuvalu is on track to achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on universal primary education (MDG 2), reduction in child and maternal mortality (MDGs 4 and 5), and strengthened global partnership for development by 2015 (MDG 8).

However, the country has mixed results in relation to gender (MDG 3), combating HIV/AIDs and other major diseases (MDG 6) and ensuring environmental sustainability (MDG 7). This has been revealed in the 2nd National MDG assessment report for Tuvalu, launched today by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Lotoala Metia and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Resident Representative Asenaca Ravuvu.

“Although the general population in Tuvalu does not experience extreme poverty or hunger, the findings of the MDG exercise do identify other challenges such as the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes, hypertension, obesity and nutrient deficiencies like anemia,” said Hon. Metia.

He also said that MDG report would play a major role in the review of the current national development framework Te Kakeega II.

“This ensures that the MDGs remain part of Tuvalu national development priorities. This means that domestic and externally funded efforts that support the implementation of Te Kakeega II will at the same time, support Tuvalu in its efforts to achieve the MDGs,” he said.

The UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, Ms. Asenaca Ravuvu said that UNDP and other organizations of the UN system were ready to support Tuvalu address the gaps highlighted in the report.

“UNDP is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts in achieving the Millennium Development Goals through development assistance aiming to support governance institutions and environmental conservation,” said Ms Ravuvu.

The report can be accessed from: http://www.undp.org.fj/pdf/MDG%20Report/MDG(tuvalu)%20web.pdf

ENDS

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