Unit 4
This unit takes a global perspective on achieving sustainable improvements in health and human development. In the context of this unit human development is about creating an environment in which people can develop to their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests. It is about expanding people’s
choices and enhancing capabilities (the range of things people can be and do), having access to knowledge,
health and a decent standard of living, and participating in the life of their community and decisions affecting their lives (adapted from the United Nations Development Programme, 1990). ‘Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (United Nations, 1992). The United Nations (UN) human development work is encapsulated in the Millennium Development
Goals, where the world’s countries have agreed to a set of measurable goals and targets for combatting poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. A significant focus of the Millennium Development Goals is reducing the inequalities that result in human poverty and lead to inequalities in health status and human development. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for international health within the United Nations. Both the WHO and the UN have a range of strategies aimed at reducing global burdens of disease and promoting human development through the achievement of
the Millennium Development Goals. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) manages the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. AusAID aims to reduce poverty in developing countries and improve human development, with a focus on assisting developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Non-government organisations also play a role in promoting sustainable human development.
choices and enhancing capabilities (the range of things people can be and do), having access to knowledge,
health and a decent standard of living, and participating in the life of their community and decisions affecting their lives (adapted from the United Nations Development Programme, 1990). ‘Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (United Nations, 1992). The United Nations (UN) human development work is encapsulated in the Millennium Development
Goals, where the world’s countries have agreed to a set of measurable goals and targets for combatting poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. A significant focus of the Millennium Development Goals is reducing the inequalities that result in human poverty and lead to inequalities in health status and human development. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for international health within the United Nations. Both the WHO and the UN have a range of strategies aimed at reducing global burdens of disease and promoting human development through the achievement of
the Millennium Development Goals. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) manages the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. AusAID aims to reduce poverty in developing countries and improve human development, with a focus on assisting developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Non-government organisations also play a role in promoting sustainable human development.