December 15 next year marks the deadline for fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals to tackle global poverty, established in 2000 by the United Nations together with its member states and other international organisations.

These objectives are spread across eight broad areas: poverty, communicable diseases, gender equality, primary education, child health, maternal health, environmental sustainability and global partnerships. Surprisingly, the target of halving extreme poverty rates was reached five years earlier than planned. Reports show that targets for maternal health are the most under-achieved.

While the millennium goals are not without their critics, many countries have managed to improve the lives of its citizens despite enormous challenges. This clip shows the status of these goals.