OECD/DAC guidelines on health include assistance for primary health care facilities, medical personnel, maternal and child health, reproductive health, family planning, and potable water development. While the international community highlights the importance of poverty reduction and satisfying basic human needs, over population has emerged as another essential development issue, especially since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994. Since then, foreign assistance programs related to family planning have increased steadily.

In order to join global efforts to achieve the MDG targets for reducing infant mortality (Goal 4), promoting maternal health (Goal 5), and reducing HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases (Goal 6), KOICA has helped strengthen the health infrastructure of partner countries by constructing hospitals and improving medical facilities. KOICA has also helped partner countries develop their health policies by training medical professionals in Korea and dispatching Korean medical workers overseas. Other assistance programs include the supply of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

However, more effort needs to be made to expand medical services and to identify suitable health projects in partner countries. To do this, it is necessary to thoroughly analyze the local health conditions. High priority should be placed on programs that raise accessibility to medical care facilities, provide safe drinking water, improve maternal health, and prevent contagious diseases. Furthermore, humanitarian aid to Southwest Asia and Sub-Saharan African countries should be increased.