When it comes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 3 stands tall as a beacon of hope. With its mission to ensure "Good Health and Well-Being," this goal aims to secure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages worldwide. However, as we dive into the journey toward these crucial health objectives, it's evident that the path is both promising and fraught with challenges.
Positive Strides in Global Health
In the realm of global health, there are significant accomplishments to celebrate. Remarkably, 146 out of 200 countries have met their targets for reducing child mortality below the age of 5. Equally impressive is the 52% reduction in AIDS-related deaths. In addition, 47 countries have triumphed in eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease. These milestones underscore the global commitment to advancing health and well-being.
The Multifaceted World of SDG 3
SDG 3 tackles 13 out of the 169 targets set across the 17 SDGs. These encompass a broad spectrum of health-related objectives, ranging from maternal and child health to disease prevention and enhanced healthcare access.
3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
3.4 By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
3.A Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate.
3.B Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, and provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all.
3.C Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States.
3.D Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
By 2030, the goal is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births. In 2021, this ratio declined from 227 in 2015 to 223 per 100,000 births. However, the harsh reality is that in 2021, 800 women tragically lost their lives due to pregnancy-related complications.
By 2030, the objective is to prevent deaths of newborns and children under 5. The focus is on reducing neonatal and under-5 mortality rates. In 2023, progress is visible, with only 86% of childbirths attended by medical professionals, marking a modest 5% increase from 2015. On a brighter note, the use of modern family planning methods has risen from 76.5% to 77.6%.
SDG 3 sets the ambitious task of ending epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, while also combating other communicable diseases. However, challenges persist. Tuberculosis deaths increased by a concerning 14.1% since 2020, with a 3.6% rise in affected individuals. Furthermore, malaria deaths surged to 619,000 in 2021 from 568,000 in 2019.
The aspiration is to achieve universal health coverage, offering financial risk protection and access to quality healthcare services and medicines for all. However, inequalities in healthcare access persist. In 2019, a staggering 381 million people fell into extreme poverty due to healthcare expenses, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive health reform.
Immunization remains a powerful tool against diseases, yet vaccination rates among children have plummeted to a 30-year low. The percentage of children without measles vaccines surged to 25% in 2023 from 21% in 2015, jeopardizing herd immunity. Additionally, DTP3 vaccinations decreased by 5% between 2019 and 2021. As of 2021, the HPV vaccine for women and girls has reached only 15% of the total population.
In conclusion, the journey toward achieving the ambitious objectives of SDG 3 continues to unfold. Progress has been made, but the complexities of global health necessitate ongoing efforts and resources. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust healthcare systems. As we navigate these challenges, a shared commitment to global health remains paramount for a healthier and more equitable future.
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