Of Poverty, Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Equity

There has been so much talk about the nexus between extreme poverty (as if poverty in 'mild' form is permissible) and health. It is a vicious cycle of poverty birthing ill health and vice-versa. Prior to the report of the WHO's Commission on Coordination of Macroeconomics and Health(CMH), it was popularly believed that wealth was the driver of health. It is now known that the reverse is the case-health drives poverty reduction.
The WHO's Coordination of Macroeconomics and Health Program aims to support countries to achieve the millenium development goals (MDGs) by encouraging National Ministries of Health focus on the poor by identifying cross sectoral strategies and cost effective options that will sustain improved health outcomes;
strengthen commitments to increased financial investment in health; and
minimize non financial constraints to the absorption of greater investments by increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
I am saddened by the fact that we have become so proficent in drafting policies and neologisms-for instance, Health for All by 2000, Vision 2010, (the list is endless)-without realizing these goals. There is no advantage in finger-pointing. These policies can work if all resolve to contribute to development.
Compare the 2 pictures. Both were taken in Nigeria, my country. There is so much disparity in the socioeconomic status of people here. Ofcourse, most live in conditions you find in the second picture. And it is true that Nigeria is rich in mineral resources.
It is not uncommon to find poverty and so much wealth existing side by side. Did you see Oprah's coverage of Katrina and CNN's coverage of living conditions of some in France?
Many do not crave for stupendous wealth: many simply desire basic, equitable means by which they can lead 'normal' lives.