The remarkable decline in childhood mortality over the past 15 years demonstrates the power of human ingenuity to overcome significant health challenges. Yet, we continue to invest vast resources in treating illnesses that could be easily prevented. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being champions a vision of a world where everyone, regardless of their background, enjoys access to quality healthcare, embraces healthy lifestyles, and experiences a life of well-being.
The Targets
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. Let us explore the thirteen targets designed to promote health and well-being for all:
Target 3.1: Reduce Maternal Mortality: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Target 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. All countries should strive 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.
Target 3.3: Fight Communicable Diseases: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. Combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
Target 3.4: Reduce Mortality From Non-Communicable Diseases and Promote Mental Health: By 2030, reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third through prevention and treatment. Promote mental health and well-being for all.
Target 3.5: Prevent and Treat Substance Abuse: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
Target 3.6: Reduce Road Injuries and Deaths: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
Target 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 family planning, information, and education. Integrate reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
Target 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.
Target 3.9: Reduce Illnesses and Deaths 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.
Target 3.A: Implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate.
Target 3.B: Support Research, Development and Universal Access to Affordable Vaccines and Medicines: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries. Provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health.
Target 3.C: Increase Health Financing and Support Health Workforce in Developing Countries: Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing states.
Target 3.D: Improve Early Warning Systems for Global Health Risks: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, particularly developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.
How You Can Make a Difference
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- Support a Goal 3 charity: Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference! Consider supporting our chosen charity: MITSkills Fundraiser or a cause close to your heart.
- Prioritise vaccinations: Protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases.
- Register as an organ and tissue donor: Help save lives by joining the organ and tissue donor registry in your country.
- Donate blood: Contribute to the lifesaving work of blood banks.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and stay connected with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.
By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a healthier and more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life.