MDGs--A public health professional's perspective from 71 countries.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations executed a quali-quantitative survey to explore the opinion of public health professionals worldwide and their experience concerning the implementation and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. We received 427 completed questionnaires from 71 countries. 88 per cent of respondents were involved in MDGs-related activities collaborating mainly with the national government, multilateral organisations and local NGOs. The respondents' main activities focused on MDGs 4, 5, and 6. Their answers do not differ significantly between respondents' position, WHO regions, and country's Gross National Income. All the 8 MDGs were considered as relevant by some in the public health community. However, the importance assigned to each MDG varies significantly, with MDGs 4 and 5 considered most important in the African Region, and MDGs 7 and 8 in the Western Pacific Region. Low-income countries attach high relevance to MDG 1. Altogether 51 per cent agree fully and 40 per cent partially with a positive statement on MDGs achievement.