MSD 019: Unit 04 - SDG3–Good Health and Well-Being
UNIT 4: SDG 3 – GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
4.1
Introduction
Health is a
fundamental human right and a key pillar for sustainable development. Sustainable
Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to "Ensure
healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."
Health impacts productivity, economic growth, education, and poverty
alleviation. SDG 3 goes beyond just treating diseases – it focuses on
prevention, universal access, healthcare systems, and overall well-being. With
the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting health system vulnerabilities, SDG 3 has
become more important than ever.
4.2
Objectives
By the end of
this unit, learners will be able to:
·
Understand the scope and significance of SDG 3.
·
Identify the targets and indicators under SDG 3.
·
Recognize the role of implementing agencies in achieving health
goals.
·
Explore key challenges in achieving health and well-being for all.
·
Discuss future strategies and the way forward for SDG 3.
4.3
Sustainable Development Goal 3: Targets and Indicators
SDG 3 consists of 13 targets
and several indicators that cover a wide spectrum of health issues. Major
targets include:
Key
Targets of SDG 3:
1. Reduce
maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
2. End
preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5.
3. End epidemics of AIDS,
tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases.
4. Reduce
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, heart disease, diabetes through prevention and
treatment.
5. Strengthen
prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
6. Halve global deaths and injuries
from road traffic accidents.
7. Ensure universal
access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
8. Achieve
universal health coverage (UHC) including access to essential services and financial risk
protection.
9. Reduce deaths
and illnesses from pollution and hazardous chemicals.
Selected
Indicators:
·
Maternal mortality ratio
·
Under-five mortality rate
·
HIV incidence
·
Coverage of immunization
·
Suicide mortality rate
·
Universal health coverage index
·
Health workforce density
These
indicators help track progress and enable governments to target policies.
4.4
Implementing Health Authorities
Achieving SDG
3 requires the coordinated effort of multiple agencies at international,
national, and local levels.
Global
Health Bodies:
·
World Health Organization (WHO) – Sets
global standards and provides guidance.
·
UNICEF, UNAIDS, GAVI, Global Fund – Provide
funding, data, and operational support.
·
World Bank – Supports health infrastructure financing in developing
countries.
National
Bodies (India):
·
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) – Central
authority for policy formulation and implementation.
·
National Health Mission (NHM) – Focuses on
rural and urban health improvements.
·
NITI Aayog – Tracks SDG performance and works on health policy reforms.
·
Ayushman Bharat – Flagship scheme providing free health insurance coverage to
vulnerable populations.
State
Governments and Local Authorities:
·
Implement grassroots health services through primary
health centers, anganwadis, and community health workers (ASHA
workers).
4.5
Challenges Before SDG 3
Despite
progress, several hurdles remain in achieving SDG 3:
1.
Unequal Access to Healthcare
·
Rural and tribal areas lack access to quality health services.
·
Socioeconomic inequalities impact health outcomes.
2.
Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
·
Rise in lifestyle diseases due to poor diet, stress, and sedentary
lifestyle.
·
Mental health remains neglected.
3.
Inadequate Health Infrastructure
·
Shortage of doctors, nurses, and diagnostic facilities.
·
Poor sanitation and drinking water impact public health.
4.
Financing and Insurance Gaps
·
Many households fall into poverty due to high out-of-pocket
expenses.
·
Health insurance coverage remains limited.
5.
Emerging Threats
·
Pandemics like COVID-19 exposed weak emergency response systems.
·
Antimicrobial resistance is rising globally.
6.
Low Awareness and Health Literacy
·
Misinformation, stigma, and cultural barriers affect
health-seeking behavior.
4.6
Future Prospects
1.
Digital Health Innovation
·
Use of telemedicine, AI diagnostics,
and mobile
health apps can bridge access gaps.
2.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare
·
Focus on preventive care, early diagnosis,
and community
participation.
·
Investment in frontline health workers is crucial.
3.
Universal Health Coverage
·
Expanding schemes like Ayushman Bharat and integrating private sector
partnerships.
4.
Mental Health Integration
·
Include mental health in primary care and school programs.
5.
Global Collaboration
·
Shared research, resources, and best practices help manage
pandemics and diseases.
4.7
Way Forward
To
effectively achieve SDG 3, the following actions are recommended:
·
Increase public health expenditure to at least
2.5% of GDP (India's target).
·
Strengthen health insurance and digital health missions.
·
Promote gender-sensitive and inclusive health policies.
·
Improve health data systems for better planning and
monitoring.
·
Foster community awareness through campaigns, school
education, and public outreach.
·
Focus on social determinants of health – nutrition, clean
air, sanitation, education, and employment.
4.8
Let’s Sum Up
SDG 3 – Good
Health and Well-being aims to ensure healthy lives for all. While progress has been
made in maternal and child health, immunization, and disease control,
challenges such as unequal access, funding gaps, and rising NCDs remain. A
holistic approach combining health systems reform, community involvement,
technology, and intersectoral collaboration is essential for realizing this
goal. Health is not just a medical issue but a developmental priority.
Comments
Post a Comment