Health-Related Targets in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to promote global well-being and sustainable development by 2030.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being focuses on improving healthcare access, disease prevention, and reducing mortality rates.
- Other SDGs like clean water, poverty reduction, and climate action also impact health.
Health-Related Targets in SDGs (Goal 3)
1. Reduce Maternal Mortality
- Target: Reduce global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
- Ensure skilled birth attendance and improve maternal healthcare services.
2. End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children
- Target: Reduce neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to 25 per 1,000 live births.
3. Combat Communicable Diseases
- End epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases.
- Reduce waterborne diseases and other communicable diseases.
4. Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Target: Reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases by one-third.
- Promote mental health and well-being.
5. Strengthen Substance Abuse Prevention
- Prevent and treat substance abuse, including alcohol and narcotic drug use.
6. Reduce Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths
- Target: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road accidents.
7. Ensure Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
- Provide family planning, education, and reproductive health services.
8. Achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- Ensure access to essential healthcare services for all.
- Provide affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
9. Reduce Deaths and Illnesses from Pollution
- Reduce illnesses and deaths caused by hazardous chemicals, air, water, and soil pollution.
10. Strengthen Health Systems and Workforce
- Increase health financing and workforce recruitment.
- Improve early warning systems for health emergencies.
Other SDGs Impacting Health
1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Ensure safe drinking water and sanitation to prevent diseases.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- End malnutrition and ensure food security for better health.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
- Reduce financial barriers to healthcare access.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
- Minimize climate-related health risks, such as vector-borne diseases and pollution.
Conclusion
- Health is central to sustainable development, and SDG 3 aims to achieve universal healthcare, disease prevention, and mortality reduction.
- Other SDGs like poverty reduction, gender equality, and clean water indirectly contribute to improved health outcomes.
- Achieving these targets requires global partnerships, policy reforms, and healthcare investments.
Government Initiatives & Policy Framework
Introduction
- The Indian government has launched various health and development initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- These programs focus on universal healthcare, disease control, nutrition, sanitation, and overall well-being.
Major Government Health Initiatives
1. Ayushman Bharat (2018)
- World's largest health assurance scheme for providing free healthcare up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Two components:
o Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): Focus on preventive and primary healthcare.
o Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Provides cashless treatment in hospitals.
2. National Health Mission (NHM)
- Launched in 2005 to strengthen public health services.
- Two components:
o National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) – Focuses on rural areas.
o National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) – Covers urban poor populations.
- Key programs under NHM:
o Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) – Encourages institutional deliveries.
o Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) – Provides early screening for diseases in children.
3. Poshan Abhiyaan (2018)
- Aims to eliminate malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- Promotes dietary diversity, breastfeeding, and micronutrient supplementation.
4. Swachh Bharat Mission (2014)
- Focus on sanitation and hygiene to eliminate open defecation.
- Linked to disease prevention, maternal health, and child survival.
5. Mission Indradhanush (2014)
- Aims for 90% immunization coverage for children and pregnant women.
- Covers vaccines for tuberculosis, polio, measles, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
6. National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Focuses on diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental health.
- Provides screening and treatment at primary healthcare levels.
7. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
- Provides health insurance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
8. National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
- Launched to prevent and control HIV/AIDS in India.
- Promotes safe sex practices, free ART (antiretroviral therapy), and awareness campaigns.
Policy Framework Supporting Health
1. National Health Policy (2017)
- Aims for universal health coverage (UHC).
- Focus on affordable and quality healthcare.
2. National Nutrition Policy (1993, Revised 2017)
- Addresses malnutrition through food security, dietary improvements, and public health programs.
3. National Mental Health Policy (2014)
- Promotes mental healthcare accessibility, awareness, and rehabilitation.
4. National Pharmaceutical Policy
- Ensures availability of essential medicines at affordable prices.
Conclusion
- Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, NHM, and Swachh Bharat play a crucial role in improving healthcare and sanitation.
- These programs align with SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and support disease prevention, nutrition, and maternal health.
- Continuous policy improvements and implementation are needed to achieve universal healthcare and sustainable development.
Tags
COMMUNITY MEDICINE