Halving the proportion of the world's poor in extreme poverty compared to 1990 levels is likely to be achieved, but key health goals will be missed in many countries based on current trends.

Backed by 180 countries, the Millennium Development Goals are 18 specific targets intended to be met by 2015. They include: reducing the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day from 27.9 percent to 14 percent; ensuring all children receive a full course of primary schooling; reducing the maternal mortality ratio by 75 percent; halting and reversing the spread of HIV, malaria and other major diseases; and halving the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.