#SDG3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Over the last 15 years, the number of childhood deaths has been cut in half. This proves that it is possible to win the fight against almost every disease. Still, we are spending an astonishing amount of money and resources on treating illnesses that are surprisingly easy to prevent. The new goal for worldwide Good Health promotes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and modern, efficient healthcare for everyone.

Targets

Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these targets to create action to promote health and well-being for all.

3.1 REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY

By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

3.2 END ALL PREVENTABLE DEATHS UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE

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 FIGHT COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

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 REDUCE MORTALITY FROM NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH

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 PREVENT AND TREAT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

3.6 REDUCE ROAD INJURIES AND DEATHS

By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

3.7 UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE CARE, FAMILY PLANNING AND EDUCATION

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 programs.

3.8 ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

3.9 REDUCE ILLNESSES AND DEATH FROM HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND POLLUTION

By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

Thoughts

We have made great progress against several leading causes of death and disease. Life expectancy has increased dramatically; infant and maternal mortality rates have declined, we’ve turned the tide on HIV and malaria deaths have halved. Good health is essential to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of the two. It takes into account widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and emerging challenges such as noncommunicable diseases. Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and reducing inequalities. Emerging global health priorities not explicitly included in the SDGs, including antimicrobial resistance, also demand action. But the world is off-track to achieve the health-related SDGs. Progress has been uneven, both between and within countries. There’s a 31-year gap between the countries with the shortest and longest life expectancies. And while some countries have made impressive gains, national averages hide that many are being left behind. Multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches are essential to address inequalities and to build good health for all. 400 million people have no basic healthcare, and 40 percent lack social protection. Cameras and sensors in smartphones and tablets are allowing healthcare workers to deliver telemedicine and remote diagnosis of disease. Connected thermometers monitor vaccine delivery and storage to prevent spoilage. Fitness wearables and health patches monitor movement, heartrate, falls, oxygen saturation, ECG, body temp, respiratory rate to provide a real-time picture of health. Movements of people can be monitored via anonymized call detail records (CDRs) during a disease outbreak. Indoor pollution from cookstoves burning biomass fuels such as wood or animal dung kills 4.3 million people globally per year. Sensors can identify homes with toxic levels of air pollution to prevent deaths.