Mid-term reviews of the progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have highlighted the need to measure progress in a way that meaningfully measures the empowerment of women, the inclusion of vulnerable social groups and the comprehensive functioning of health systems. Furthermore, concern has been expressed that the progress reported on achieving the MDGs may not capture inequalities and disparities at sub-national levels and among social groups. This is particularly true of the ESCAP region which is characterized by diverse demographic, social, economic and political structures and institutions within and among countries. Therefore, the principal objective of this report is to provide supplementary targets and indicators within the existing MDGs framework. With a view to improving the measurement of progress towards achieving the MDGs, it proposes targets and indicators on population and health issues relevant to the ESCAP region. In doing so, it has drawn from other United Nations mandates such as the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

http://www.ihp.lk/publications/docs/UNESCAP.pdf