"Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account." - Anne Wilson Schaef
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), established by the United Nations in 2015, aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This goal encompasses a broad spectrum of targets and indicators designed to address various aspects of health and well-being, from reducing maternal and child mortality to combating communicable and non-communicable diseases. As a cornerstone of sustainable development, achieving SDG 3 requires a comprehensive approach that addresses economic and social inequalities, urbanization, the climate crisis, and the ongoing burden of infectious diseases. This article will explore the 13 targets and 28 indicators of SDG 3, the progress made, and the challenges that remain.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={Boolean} $expanded={true}
Understanding SDG 3: Targets and Indicators
SDG 3 is structured around nine outcome targets and four means of implementation targets, each accompanied by specific indicators to measure progress.
The outcome targets aimed at reducing maternal mortality have a clear goal: by 2030, the global maternal mortality ratio should be reduced to less than 70 per 100,000 live births. The indicators for this target include the maternal mortality ratio itself and the percentage of births attended by skilled health personnel. Another significant goal is to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age. The specific target here is to reduce neonatal mortality to at least 12 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to at least 25 per 1,000 live births, with the corresponding indicators being the under-five mortality rate and the neonatal mortality rate.
Efforts to combat communicable diseases are outlined in Target 3.3, which aims to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases while also addressing hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases by 2030. Indicators for this target include the number of new HIV infections, tuberculosis incidence, malaria incidence, hepatitis B incidence, and the number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases. Reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health is another critical area, with a target of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third through prevention and treatment, while also promoting mental well-being. The indicators for this target are the mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease, and the suicide mortality rate.
Target 3.5 focuses on strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol, with indicators such as the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders and the harmful use of alcohol. Reducing road injuries and deaths is a key priority, with the aim to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020, as indicated by the death rate due to road traffic injuries.
Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health care, family planning, and education is encapsulated in Target 3.7. This target emphasizes the need for universal access to these services and includes indicators like the percentage of married women whose need for family planning is satisfied with modern methods and the adolescent birth rate. Achieving universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services and affordable medicines and vaccines, is the focus of Target 3.8. The indicators here include the coverage of essential health services and the proportion of the population with large household expenditures on health relative to total household expenditure or income.
Target 3.9 aims to substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution in air, water, and soil by 2030. Indicators for this target include the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation, and lack of hygiene, and unintentional poisoning.
The means of implementation targets include several specific goals. Target 3.a seeks to strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, measured by the age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older. Supporting research, development, and universal access to affordable vaccines and medicines is the aim of Target 3.b. Indicators for this target include the proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in national programs, the total net official development assistance to medical research and basic health sectors, and the proportion of health facilities with a core set of relevant essential medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis.
Target 3.c is focused on increasing health financing and supporting the health workforce in developing countries through improved recruitment, development, training, and retention of health workers, with indicators such as health worker density and distribution. Lastly, improving early warning systems for global health risks is the objective of Target 3.d, which emphasizes strengthening the capacity of all countries, particularly developing ones, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks. This target is measured by the capacity and health emergency preparedness as defined by the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Progress and Challenges
To overcome the challenges and achieve SDG 3, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, involving governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Enhancing Healthcare Systems involves several critical steps. Investing in healthcare infrastructure is crucial for improving service delivery and expanding access to essential health services. Ensuring an adequate supply of well-trained healthcare professionals is vital, which includes providing competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and supportive working conditions. Policies that promote financial risk protection and access to quality healthcare for all, including vulnerable populations, are also essential for expanding universal health coverage.
Addressing Health Inequalities requires targeting marginalized populations by tailoring health interventions to meet the needs of groups such as women, children, and rural communities, thereby reducing health disparities. Promoting gender equality is closely linked to health outcomes, and empowering women and girls through education, economic opportunities, and reproductive health services can significantly improve health and well-being. Additionally, strengthening health data systems is essential for identifying gaps, monitoring progress, and making informed decisions. Investments in health information systems can enhance data collection and analysis.
Combating Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases necessitates an emphasis on preventive healthcare, including vaccination programs, health education, and screening services, to reduce the burden of these diseases. Addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of education, is crucial for improving overall health outcomes. Promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging behaviors such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases.
Enhancing Global Health Security is imperative in light of recent global health crises. Strengthening pandemic preparedness through robust early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms is necessary to mitigate the impact of future health emergencies. Supporting research and development is essential for advancing medical knowledge, developing new treatments, and improving health technologies. Moreover, international collaboration is crucial for addressing global health challenges, and strengthening partnerships and cooperation among countries can enhance the effectiveness of health interventions.
Key Takeaway
- SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, addressing a wide range of health issues through 13 targets and 28 indicators.
- Key targets include reducing maternal and child mortality, combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, and achieving universal health coverage.
- Challenges to achieving SDG 3 include economic and social inequalities, urbanization, climate change, and persistent infectious diseases, requiring comprehensive global efforts and investments.
