United Nations Development Programme Jamaica

The first review of Jamaica’s progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) covered the period 1990 to 2001/2002. It was a time of reform and transition as the country coped with severe challenges arising from far-reaching changes in economic policies; these included a rise in inflation to the unprecedented level of 80 percent annually, and a peaking of poverty rates at 44 percent. At the same time, the country was striving to reduce the negative effects of the reduced social spending that had characterized much of the previous decade.

Progress toward achieving the human development objectives expressed in the MDGs has been variable. In poverty reduction and primary education enrolment, achievements have been significant. However, progress in relation to reproductive and child health and control of HIV and AIDS has been unsatisfactory thus far. For complete details, view the 2004 National MDG Report for Jamaica. 

MDG1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Jamaica has reduced the number of people living in poverty from 28.4 percent in 1990 to 16.8 percent in 2001. It is ranked as a middle-income country and is on track to achieve this MDG. Remaining concerns, however, include chronic poverty in rural areas and some marginalized urban communities.

MDG2: Ensure all girls and boys attend primary education
Jamaica has raised the net primary school enrolment rate from 95.6 percent in 1990 to 96.2 percent in 2001 and has already achieved this MDG. Nonetheless, quality of access, especially among the poor and in the rural areas, and the quality of primary-level teachers are continuing concerns.

MDG3: Promote equality between women and men, and empower women
In 2001, the girl-to-boy ratio in primary education was 0.96:1, in secondary education was 1.03:1 and in tertiary education was 1.99:1, indicating the under-representation of boys and young men at the upper-secondary and tertiary levels of education. In all, the country is lagging in achievement of this MDG. Women are not adequately participating in major political decision making, and cultural norms constrain gender equality at the household level.

MDG4: Reduce child deaths
While the death rate of children younger than age 5 has fallen from 28.5 to 26.6 per 1,000 live births between 1993 and 2000, the country is far behind with regard to this MDG. Birth registration must be strengthened, and policy action to reduce this death rate sustained.

MDG5: Improve mothers’ health
The maternal mortality ratio has dropped from 119.7 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 106.2 per 100,000 live births in 2001, but Jamaica remains far behind on this MDG as well. Policy action must be sustained to reduce these rates by three-quarters, as targeted.

MDG6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases
The number of reported HIV and AIDS cases increased substantially, from 70 in 1990 to 6,401 in 2002, and the country is lagging regarding its response to the HIV epidemic. The cultural context is a major obstacle to progress, as is the fact that HIV is still not prominent on the political agenda. The target with regard to control of malaria has been achieved.

MDG7: Ensure environmental sustainability
The proportion of people without access to safe water fell from 38.8 percent in 1990 to 29.1 percent in 2001, making Jamaica on track for this MDG. Poverty continues to slow progress.