This report is the latest update on the progress towards MDGs in Asia and the Pacific. By zooming in on specific indicators the report highlights the regions achievements and exposes issues on which much work remains to be done. It provides estimates of populations affected by social and economic poverty in the Asia-Pacific region and compares it to the two other major developing regions sub-Saharan-Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Asia-Pacific countries continue to make progress towards the MDGs but on present trends many are likely to miss some vital targets including those for infant mortality HIV prevalence and access to water and sanitation in urban areas. Even more worryingly some countries are at risk of failing to reach even two-thirds of the targets. (excerpt)