By: Brian Njenga
Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to quality healthcare—a place where preventable diseases are a thing of the past, and every individual can thrive physically and mentally. This vision is at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 (SDG 3): Good Health & Well-being.
Over the past few decades, we’ve witnessed remarkable strides in global health. From reducing child mortality rates to combating infectious diseases, the collective efforts of nations, organizations, and communities have saved millions of lives. However, despite this progress, significant challenges remain, and current trends suggest we’re not on track to meet the ambitious targets set for 2030.
The Promise and Challenges of SDG #3: A Decade of Progress Undone
According to the 2024 UN SDGs Report, the world has faced setbacks that threaten the advancements made in global health. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, has undone nearly ten years of progress in life expectancy. While many health indicators were moving in the right direction, the pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in our health systems and the need for resilient infrastructures.
Maternal and Child Health: A Stagnant Battle
- Maternal Mortality Ratio: Despite efforts, the maternal mortality ratio remains more than three times the 2030 target. This stagnation indicates that pregnant women worldwide continue to face largely preventable risks.
- Under-5 Deaths: In 2022, under-5 deaths reached a historic low, yet progress has slowed. Without accelerated action, an estimated 35 million children may not live to see their fifth birthday by 2030.
The Ongoing Fight Against Diseases
The global response to infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria has saved countless lives. However, inequalities and emerging threats jeopardize these accomplishments. Sustained efforts and innovative strategies are crucial to prevent a resurgence of these diseases.
Universal Health Coverage: A Distant Goal
- More than half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services.
- An aging health workforce faces the challenge of meeting the growing demands of an aging population.
Ensuring universal health coverage without causing financial hardship is essential for promoting well-being at all ages.
Why SDG #3 Matters to All of Us: A Personal Connection
Consider Maria, a nurse in a rural community. Every day, she sees the direct impact of limited healthcare resources on her patients—expectant mothers without access to prenatal care, children vulnerable to preventable diseases, and elders managing chronic conditions without adequate support. Maria’s story mirrors countless others worldwide, emphasizing that health challenges aren’t just statistics—they’re personal and communal experiences.
Health as a Foundation for Sustainable Development
Good health is more than the absence of illness; it’s a cornerstone for individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Health impacts education, economic growth, and equality. When populations are healthy, children can attend school regularly, adults can work and contribute to the economy, and communities can prosper.
The Road Ahead: Our Collective Responsibility Changing Course for a Healthier Future
The 2024 UN SDGs Report makes it clear: we’re not on track to achieve SDG #3 by 2030. To change course, we must:
- Prioritize Universal Health Coverage: Invest in health systems that provide accessible and affordable care for everyone.
- Strengthen Health Systems: Improve infrastructure, supply chains, and emergency preparedness.
- Invest in Prevention and Treatment: Allocate resources to combat both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
- Address Disparities: Focus on vulnerable populations who lack access to quality healthcare.
Achieving good health and well-being for all isn’t a task for governments alone. It requires collaboration between international organizations, the private sector, communities, and individuals. By working together, we can develop innovative solutions, share best practices, and support those on the front lines of healthcare.
Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon
While the challenges are significant, they’re not insurmountable. The setbacks we’ve faced highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and unity. As we embark on this series exploring SDG #3, we’ll delve deeper into the specific areas that need attention, share stories of hope and innovation, and discuss how each of us can contribute to a healthier world.
Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that by 2030, everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Preview of What’s Next
In our upcoming articles, we’ll explore topics such as:
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health gains.
- Strategies to reduce maternal and child mortality.
- Combating infectious and non-communicable diseases.
- The role of mental health in overall well-being
- Innovations in healthcare delivery and technology.
Stay tuned as we navigate the complexities of global health and discover paths toward achieving Good Health & Well-being for all.
