A review of recent progress towards the regional targets set for health for all by the Member States of the European Region of WHO, as regards preliminary conditions for health, and for indicators of mortality, morbidity and disability. Life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and mortality from ischaemic heart disease and from traffic accidents show an improvement, as does the incidence of several infectious diseases, but the situation has worsened or stagnated as regards suicide and cancer, and there is a lack of information on disability and chronic morbidity. Despite some progress, the goal of equity in health is still very far from being attained.