
The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) of the United Nations is “Good health and well-being”. This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Reducing maternal and child mortality
Reducing maternal and child mortality is a central concern within the Sustainable Development Goal “Good Health and Well-being”. It aims to significantly improve the survival rate of mothers and newborns through access to quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and effective postnatal care. Strategies include improving the medical infrastructure, training medical staff and providing the necessary medical equipment and medicines. In addition, education about and access to reproductive health services is crucial to protect and promote maternal and child health. These measures should drastically reduce global maternal and child mortality and ensure a safe start in life for all.
Combating epidemics and diseases
Combating epidemics and diseases is a key component of the Sustainable Development Goal “Good Health and Well-being”. This goal aims to end global epidemics such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It also focuses on the containment of diseases such as hepatitis, waterborne diseases and other communicable diseases. Effective strategies for this include the promotion of comprehensive vaccination programs, the expansion of global health infrastructures and the strengthening of local health systems. It also focuses on improving hygiene practices, access to clean water and sanitation, and promoting research and development of new drugs and treatments. These efforts are essential to improve the health of the population worldwide and strengthen resilience to future health threats.
Promoting mental health
Promoting mental health is a key aspect of the Sustainable Development Goal “Good Health and Well-being”. This goal includes the prevention and treatment of mental disorders and the fight against substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction. Measures to improve mental health include educating the public about mental health, destigmatizing mental illness, expanding support services and providing resources for mental health services. In addition, the integration of mental health care into general health care is crucial to ensure comprehensive access to the necessary services. These efforts aim to increase overall well-being and empower people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases
Reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases is a key target under SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being”. In order to achieve this goal, there is a strong focus on preventive measures that address risk factors such as tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, the expansion of healthcare systems is required to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment. Promoting public health education and access to affordable medical care are also crucial to reduce the burden of NCDs worldwide and improve the lives of millions of people.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a central goal within the Sustainable Development Goal “Health and Well-being” and aims to ensure that all people worldwide have access to necessary health services without financial hardship. UHC includes not only the provision of health services, but also access to essential medicines and vaccines at affordable prices. Key measures to achieve UHC include expanding and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving the quality of healthcare services and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all segments of the population. By implementing UHC, countries strive to improve the overall level of health, reduce inequalities and reduce the economic burden of medical costs.
Supporting research and development
Supporting research and development is crucial to progress in healthcare, particularly in the fight against diseases that predominantly affect developing countries. This area includes supporting the development of new vaccines, medicines and treatments that specifically target neglected and tropical diseases. Investment in research and development makes it possible to find innovative solutions that are both cost-effective and tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of less developed regions. It is also important to ensure that access to these advances is broad and equitable so that all people worldwide can benefit from the latest medical advances. Such efforts strengthen the global health architecture and contribute to reducing health inequalities worldwide.
Reducing health risks from pollution and contamination
Reducing health risks from pollution and contamination is a critical component of the Health and Well-being Goal. Environmental pollution, whether from contaminated air, water or soil, contributes significantly to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Measures to address these risks include improving legislation and monitoring of environmental pollutants, promoting clean technologies and reducing the release of hazardous chemicals. In addition, it is important to increase public education about the health risks of pollution and to involve communities in the planning and implementation of environmental protection measures. These efforts are essential to protect public health and ensure a sustainable living environment for future generations.
Can we achieve this goal by 2030?
Achieving the Health and Well-being Goal by 2030, as set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is an ambitious task that requires determined action. Success depends on several key factors: political determination, sufficient funding, global cooperation and innovation in the health sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges by exposing the limits of global health systems and exacerbating existing inequalities. Despite these obstacles, significant progress could be made through increased international cooperation, investment in medical research and the integration of modern technologies into healthcare. While the task is complex, joint efforts and increased global commitment show that significant improvements are possible to realize comprehensive healthcare by 2030.
The overview of the 17 goals can be read here
Links
You can find information from the United Nations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) here:
Information from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development can be found here: