CHAPTER 6

Good Health and Well – Being

According to the definitions given by UNESCO:

  • Well-being is a feeling of satisfaction with life, a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity.
  • Good health concerns the care of the human body and everything that can be done to protect it from sickness and intoxication and enable access to care.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages. Health and well-being are important at every stage of one’s life, starting from the very beginning. This goal addresses all major health priorities: reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health; communicable and non-communicable diseases; universal health coverage; and access for all to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medicines and vaccines.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, also aims to prevent needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death by focusing on key targets that boost the health of a country’s overall population. Regions with the highest burden of disease and neglected population groups and regions are priority areas. Goal 3 also calls for deeper investments in research and development, health financing and health risk reduction and management.

Key concepts

SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, is a crucial goal among the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on promoting healthy lives, reducing mortality rates, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. Achieving SDG 3, Good Health and Well – being requires addressing several key concepts. By implementing strategies that encompass these concepts, such as policy and governance, education and awareness, partnerships and collaboration, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing, progress can be made towards achieving SDG 3 and improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. These concepts include universal health coverage, disease prevention and control, maternal and child health, mental health, health infrastructure and workforce, and access to essential medicines.

  • Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring that all individuals and communities have access to essential healthcare services without experiencing financial hardship is crucial. This includes access to preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services.
  • Disease Prevention and Control: Prioritizing preventive measures to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases is vital. This involves implementing strategies to prevent outbreaks, promoting vaccination programs, and educating individuals about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.
  • Maternal and Child Health: Focusing on improving maternal health and reducing child mortality rates is essential. This includes providing quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and immunizations, as well as addressing malnutrition and ensuring access to safe water and sanitation.
  • Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues and promoting well-being is a crucial aspect of SDG 3. This involves reducing stigma, providing access to mental healthcare services, and promoting mental well-being through community support and awareness.
  • Health Infrastructure and Workforce: Strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries, is vital. This includes improving health infrastructure, ensuring an adequate number of trained healthcare professionals, and supporting health research and innovation.
  • Access to Essential Medicines: Ensuring access to affordable and quality essential medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies is crucial to achieve SDG 3. This involves promoting research and development, and supporting local production of medicines in developing countries.

SDG 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities is about making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Today, more than half the world’s population live in cities. By 2050, an estimated 7 out of 10 people will likely live in urban areas. Cities are drivers of economic growth and contribute more than 80 per cent of global GDP. However, they also account for more than 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. If well-planned and managed, urban development can be sustainable and can generate inclusive prosperity. The deep inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other cascading crises highlight the importance of sustainable urban development. Strengthening the preparedness and resilience of cities is crucial in responding to future crises.

To achieve SDG 3 Good Health and Well – being, it requires a multi-sectoral approach involving governments, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, communities, and individuals. Some key strategies include:

  • Policy and Governance: Governments need to develop and implement policies that prioritize health and well-being, allocate sufficient resources, and strengthen health systems. Ensuring effective governance, coordination, and accountability mechanisms is crucial.
  • Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about health issues, promoting health education, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health are important steps. This includes promoting healthy behaviors, hygiene practices, and addressing cultural and social barriers.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaboration between governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector is essential to leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge. Collaborative efforts can support capacity building, research, and innovation in healthcare.
  • Data and Monitoring: Establishing robust health information systems and monitoring mechanisms to track progress towards SDG 3 is crucial. Collecting and analyzing health data can help identify gaps, measure outcomes, and inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
  • Sustainable Financing: Ensuring sustainable and equitable financing for health is important. This involves increasing domestic investment in healthcare, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and mobilizing international aid and resources.

Taking action

Taking action to promote SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, is essential for improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. As individuals, we have the power to make a positive impact by adopting healthy habits, advocating for universal health coverage, supporting local healthcare providers, practicing preventive healthcare, promoting mental health awareness, supporting maternal and child health, volunteering, and engaging in policy advocacy. By implementing these practical tips, we can contribute to the achievement of SDG 3, Good Health and Well – Being and create a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.

Here are some practical tips and advice for individuals to promote SDG3, Good Health and Well – Being:

  • Prioritize Personal Health: Take responsibility for your own health by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Stay Informed: Stay updated on health-related issues and recommendations from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or national health agencies. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your health and well-being.
  • Advocate for Universal Health Coverage: Raise awareness about the importance of universal health coverage and advocate for it in your community. Engage in discussions, participate in campaigns, and support initiatives that promote access to quality healthcare for all.
  • Support Local Healthcare Providers: Engage with and support local healthcare providers and facilities. Consider utilizing their services, sharing positive experiences, or volunteering your time and skills to support their work.
  • Practice Preventive Healthcare: Emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare by regularly undergoing health screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups. Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to do the same.
  • Promote Mental Health: Raise awareness about mental health and combat stigma by engaging in open conversations. Support mental health initiatives and organizations, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. Foster a supportive and empathetic environment for those struggling with mental health issues.
  • Support Maternal and Child Health: Advocate for policies and programs that improve maternal and child health. Support organizations working towards providing access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and education for mothers and children in need.
  • Volunteer and Donate: Consider volunteering your time or donating resources to local health-related organizations, clinics, or initiatives that work towards achieving SDG 3. Even small contributions can make a significant difference.
  • Promote Hygiene and Sanitation: Educate yourself and others about the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices. Encourage handwashing, proper waste disposal, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities in your community.
  • Engage in Policy Advocacy: Stay informed about health-related policies and engage in advocacy efforts. Write to policymakers, participate in public consultations, or join local advocacy groups to voice your support for policies that prioritize health and well-being.

Inspirational Practice: 1000 Days Partnership Initiative

The 1000 Days Partnership is a collaborative effort between governments, NGOs, and private sector organizations aimed at improving maternal and child health, specifically focusing on the critical period from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. This practice recognizes the significance of early childhood nutrition and healthcare in ensuring lifelong well-being.

The 1000 Days Partnership has been successfully implemented in various countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, among others. It has demonstrated positive results in improving maternal and child health, reducing malnutrition rates, and enhancing overall well-being during the critical early childhood period.

This inspirational practice showcases the power of collaboration, evidence-based interventions, and community engagement in addressing SDG 3, Good Health and Well – being. It serves as a model for initiatives that aim to promote good health and well-being, particularly during the crucial early stages of life, making a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

To learn more about the 1000 Days Partnership Initiative, visit the following website: https://thousanddays.org/

Questions to consider:

01

What are some ways in which you can promote SDG3, Good Health and Well – being?

02

What are some challenges you could face while trying to adopt a lifestyle that is oriented to good health and well – being?

03

How could you overcome any challenges that would occur?

04

Why is it important according to your point of view to be oriented to your needs and desire and promote SDG3?

05

Can you think of any ways in which you can encourage others to join you in your journey related to SDG3?