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.

 

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