In 1985 the World Health Organization proposed 38 health targets towar
ds Health for All by the Year 2000, 20 of which were due by the year 1
990. A questionnaire study was made of progress towards Targets 31-38
in the Yorkshire Health Districts. Target 31 (quality of health care)
showed fair progress. Trends were positive but progress slow on resear
ch strategy (Target 32), management support (Target 34), health staff
training (Target 36) and evaluation of technology (Target 38). Little
or no progress was discerned on information (Target 35) and training o
f non-health staff (Target 37). Healthy policies at local level are no
t matched by healthy national policies (Target 33), e.g. on tobacco. T
hese deficiencies are likely to undermine the development of a nationa
l health strategy in response to Health of the Nation.