Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of prioritising health and well-being for all individuals, irrespective of age or location.
At its core, Goal 3 aims to build upon the progress made in healthcare over recent years, particularly in reducing childhood mortality rates. It underscores the need to prioritise preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and efficient healthcare systems to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
What does UN SDG 3 include?
To achieve this goal, the United Nations has outlined thirteen targets that serve as actionable steps towards improving health outcomes worldwide:
Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): By 2030, aim to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
End All Preventable Deaths Under 5 Years of Age (Target 3.2): By 2030, strive to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years old, aiming to reduce neonatal mortality and under-5 mortality rates significantly.
Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): By 2030, work towards ending epidemics of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, while also combatting hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
Reduce Mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases and Promote Mental Health (Target 3.4): By 2030, aim to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third through prevention and treatment, while also promoting mental health and well-being.
Prevent and Treat Substance Abuse (Target 3.5): Strengthen prevention and treatment efforts for substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful alcohol use.
Reduce Road Injuries and Deaths (Target 3.6): By 2020, aim to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Care, Family Planning, and Education (Target 3.7): By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information, and education.
Achieve Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Strive to achieve universal health coverage, providing financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services, medicines, and vaccines for all.
Reduce Illnesses and Deaths from Hazardous Chemicals and Pollution (Target 3.9): By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution.
Implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Target 3.A): Strengthen the implementation of measures outlined in the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries.
Support Research, Development, and Access to Affordable Vaccines and Medicines (Target 3.B): Provide support for research and development of vaccines and medicines for diseases affecting developing countries, ensuring access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
Increase Health Financing and Support Health Workforce in Developing Countries (Target 3.C): Substantially increase health financing and invest in the recruitment, development, training, and retention of health workforce in developing countries.
Improve Early Warning Systems for Global Health Risks (Target 3.D): Strengthen the capacity of all countries, particularly developing nations, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.
According to the UN, by focusing on preventive measures, access to quality healthcare, and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, via the SDGs the international community can work towards ensuring healthier lives and promoting well-being around the world.
To learn more about how to improve sustainability in your business, make sure you read www.sustainabilityonline.net. For more details on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
