What is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3?
Historical Background
Key Points
11 points- 1.
SDG 3 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. This target addresses the unacceptable number of women who die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. For example, in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to quality maternal healthcare services.
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A key target is to 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. This focuses on improving child health through interventions such as vaccination, nutrition, and access to clean water and sanitation. India, for instance, has made significant progress in reducing child mortality rates but still has work to do to meet these targets.
- 3.
SDG 3 includes combating communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. The goal is to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030. This involves scaling up prevention, treatment, and care services, as well as investing in research and development of new tools and technologies. For example, the global fight against malaria has seen significant progress with the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies.
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Addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a crucial aspect of SDG 3. The goal aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. NCDs, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, are now the leading cause of death globally. Lifestyle changes, such as promoting healthy diets and physical activity, are essential for preventing NCDs.
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SDG 3 emphasizes the importance of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. Substance abuse has significant social and economic consequences, contributing to crime, violence, and health problems. Effective prevention and treatment programs are needed to address this issue.
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The goal includes reducing the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. Environmental health risks contribute to a significant burden of disease globally. Addressing these risks requires policies and interventions to reduce pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
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Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) is a central target of SDG 3. UHC means that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. This requires strengthening health systems, training healthcare workers, and ensuring access to essential medicines and technologies. Countries like Thailand have made significant progress towards UHC through government-funded healthcare schemes.
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SDG 3 calls for strengthening the capacity of all countries, particularly developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks. This includes building resilient health systems that can respond effectively to outbreaks of infectious diseases and other health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of preparedness and response to health crises.
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Research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries is a key component. Access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines is crucial for achieving SDG 3 targets. Initiatives like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria play a vital role in funding research and development and ensuring access to these essential tools.
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SDG 3 recognizes the importance of increasing health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries. Investing in health systems and human resources is essential for delivering quality healthcare services. Many developing countries face shortages of healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas.
- 11.
SDG 3 is interconnected with other SDGs. For example, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is linked to SDG 3 through nutrition, and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) is linked to SDG 3 through environmental health. Progress on one SDG can contribute to progress on others, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to sustainable development.
Visual Insights
Understanding Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Key targets and aspects of SDG 3, including maternal and child health, communicable diseases, and universal health coverage.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- ●Maternal & Child Health
- ●Communicable Diseases
- ●Non-Communicable Diseases
- ●Universal Health Coverage
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIn 2023, the WHO released a report highlighting the uneven progress towards SDG 3, noting that many countries are off track to meet the 2030 targets, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2023 significantly disrupted progress towards SDG 3, straining health systems and diverting resources away from other essential health services. This has led to setbacks in areas such as immunization coverage and access to treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
In 2024, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria secured a replenishment of $14.25 billion to support its work in combating these diseases, providing a boost to efforts to achieve SDG 3 targets related to communicable diseases.
Several countries have implemented innovative financing mechanisms to increase health spending and move towards universal health coverage. For example, Rwanda has introduced community-based health insurance schemes to improve access to healthcare for its citizens.
New vaccines and treatments are being developed for various diseases, offering hope for accelerating progress towards SDG 3. For example, research is ongoing to develop a vaccine for malaria, which could have a significant impact on reducing the burden of this disease in Africa.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. Many SDGs indirectly impact health, so what makes SDG 3 distinct and why is it crucial to have a dedicated health goal?
While other SDGs like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) or SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) contribute to better health outcomes, SDG 3 focuses specifically on strengthening health systems, addressing diseases, and promoting well-being across all ages. It's crucial because it sets specific, measurable targets directly related to health outcomes, such as reducing maternal mortality and combating specific diseases. Without a dedicated goal, health might be diluted among broader development objectives, potentially leading to insufficient focus and resources.
2. SDG 3 aims for 'health and well-being for all.' What are some of the biggest challenges in achieving 'universal health coverage (UHC)' in a diverse country like India, and how does it differ from universal healthcare?
Achieving UHC in India faces challenges like: answerPoints: * Infrastructure gaps: Uneven distribution of healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. * Workforce shortages: Lack of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. * Financial barriers: High out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare for many families. * Awareness and access: Limited health literacy and difficulty accessing services, especially for marginalized communities. UHC means everyone has access to needed health services without financial hardship. Universal healthcare usually implies government-funded and managed healthcare, while UHC can be achieved through various financing models, including a mix of public and private insurance.
3. SDG 3 includes targets for reducing deaths from 'hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution'. How does this connect with SDG 13 (Climate Action), and what specific policies can address both simultaneously?
SDG 3 and SDG 13 are interconnected because climate change exacerbates environmental pollution, leading to increased health risks. For example, air pollution, driven by fossil fuel combustion (a climate change driver), causes respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. answerPoints: * Policies promoting renewable energy: Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. * Sustainable transportation: Encourages cycling, walking, and public transport, reducing air pollution and carbon footprint. * Industrial regulations: Stricter emission standards for industries to minimize pollution. * Waste management: Proper disposal of hazardous waste to prevent soil and water contamination.
4. The recent WHO report (2023) highlighted 'uneven progress' towards SDG 3. What specific areas are lagging the most, and what are the potential reasons for this?
The WHO report indicated that progress is lagging particularly in: answerPoints: * Maternal and child health: High maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa and slow progress in reducing neonatal mortality. * Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, especially in low- and middle-income countries. * Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Many countries are off track to achieve UHC due to inadequate funding, weak health systems, and lack of access to essential medicines. Potential reasons include: answerPoints: * Underinvestment in health systems: Insufficient funding for healthcare infrastructure, workforce, and essential supplies. * Socioeconomic inequalities: Disparities in access to healthcare based on income, education, and geographic location. * Conflict and instability: Disruptions to health services due to armed conflicts and political instability.
5. In the context of SDG 3, what is the significance of the 'Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria,' and how might funding shortfalls impact India's progress towards related targets?
The Global Fund is a major international financing mechanism that provides grants to countries to support programs to combat AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. It plays a crucial role in scaling up prevention, treatment, and care services for these diseases. For India, the Global Fund supports key interventions such as: answerPoints: * Providing antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients. * Expanding access to TB diagnosis and treatment. * Distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria. Funding shortfalls could lead to: answerPoints: * Reduced access to essential medicines and services. * Slower progress in reducing the burden of these diseases. * Increased risk of drug resistance.
6. How does SDG 3 relate to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution, and can DPSPs be used to strengthen arguments for increased government spending on healthcare?
Several DPSPs align with the objectives of SDG 3. Article 47 directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health. While DPSPs are not legally enforceable, they serve as guiding principles for policymaking. DPSPs can be used to argue for increased government spending on healthcare by highlighting the State's constitutional obligation to improve public health. Citing Article 47 can strengthen the ethical and moral basis for prioritizing healthcare investments.