| |
|
The Report has been prepared on the basis of the new revised
framework of the Millennium Development Goals prepared by the UN
Statistics Department and contains 18 targets and 48 indicators for
monitoring the progress made towards attainment of the eight goals
set by the World Millennium Declaration in September 2000.
In his preface to the report, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor Al Thani,
Acting President of the Statistics Authority, states that the
Millennium Development Goals announced in 2000 reflected
determination of political leaderships in various countries arround
the world to save mankind from poverty and hunger and make the right
to development a reality that aims at a continuous improvement in
the welfare of all people and individuals on the basis of their
participation in development and fair distribution of its fruits.
He also reiterates that the Millennium Development Goals reflect
mankind’s aspirations for a better life through a selected set of
goals defined in clear figures and explicit time references. For the
period 1990-2015, countries have agreed to halve the proportion of
people who suffer from poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary
education, promote gender equality, reduce by two-thirds, the under
five mortality rate, reduce, by three quarters, the maternal
mortality ratio, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB and other diseases,
ensure environmental sustainability, and develop a global
partnership for development.
Mr. Sultan Al kuwari, Direcor of Demographic and Social Statistics
and Statistical Analysis Department and chairman of the team
commissioned to prepare the second report on the Millennium
Development Goals in the State of Qatar, has stated that the second
report is characterized by its inclusiveness of all indicators set
by the United Nations as well as recent data and indicators
reflecting Qatar’s accomplishments related to the Millennium Goals.
The Report is divided into eight sections. Each section explains and
analyzes a goal of the Millennium Goals and the State of Qatar’s
achievements during 1990-2007.
First Goal
Elimination of extreme poverty and hunger: This goal was attained by Qatar
a long time ago. Hence, this target does not constitute a challenge
for Qatar, which has become a high income county with per capita
expenditure of more than US $ 33 per day in 2007.
Second Goal
Universal primary education: Qatar has made remarkable progress in the
provision of education and getting very close to realizing the goal
of universal primary education with the rate of enrollment in
primary education being 97.6% in 2006. The literacy rate among the
youth (15-24) rose from 96.5% in 1990 to 99.1% in 2007.
Third Goal
Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women: Qatar has made
considerable progress as regards achieving gender equality in
various educational levels. The ratio of females to males in
primary, secondary and university educational levels has reached
100%. However, women’s participation in the labor market and
politics still requires intensive efforts to bridge the gap between
men and women.
Fourth Goal
Reduction of the under 5 mortality rate by two-thirds: Qatar is close to
attaining this objective. The under 5 mortality rate was 9.1 per
1,000 births in 2007 compared with 16.6 per 1,000 in 1990. Hence,
reduction, by two-thirds, of the infant mortality rate by 2015 will
be achieved several years before this date.
Fifth Goal
Improvement of Maternal Health: Qatar has attained the objective of
promoting women’s reproductive health and safe maternity. The rate
of deliveries under qualified health specialists was 100% in 2007.
The rate of post-natal medical care was 100%.
Sixth Goal - Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other contagious
diseases: Qatar has made remarkable progress towards realization of
this objective, with 100% provision by the State of Qatar of
medications for patients with HIV/AIDS. Incidence of TB, malaria and
fatalities caused by them declined considerably during 1990-2007.
Death due to these diseases is nearly zero per 10,000.
Seventh Goal
Ensuring environmental sustainability: Qatar has realized this objective
100% in relation to securing safe water, sewage services and
appropriate housing for various living families for the whole
population, securing protected reserves for biological diversity
(21.7%) i.e. higher than the world standard (10%). Remarkable
efforts have been made by the State to reduce rates of
Ozone-depleting gases (chlorofluorocarbons), which is a current
challenge for Qatar.
Eighth Goal
Achievement of global partnership in development: The State of Qatar has
taken part in a global development partnership as confirmed by
raising the volume of development assistance provided by Qatar to
developing countries, which exceeded 0.50% of the 2006 GDP. The
Qatari economy’s openness approached 100% and foreign direct
investment flows have increased. Qatar has also made progress as
regards dissemination of the benefits of modern technologies in the
information and communications field and securing medications for
all people at reasonable cost.
The Report indicates that Qatar is following the right path towards
realization of the Millennium Development Goals thanks to its
adoption of policies and strategies based on clear priorities for
economic and social development in harmony with the goals and
targets set in the UN Millennium Declaration.
Mr. Sultan Al-kuwari finally expressed gratitudes and appreciation
to Ministries and government agencies for their cooperation in the
provision of up to date data related to the Millennium indicators.
|
|
