Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)—Good Health and Well-Being—promotes healthy lives for all at all ages. Health is essential to human dignity, economic productivity, and social stability. Yet as of 2021, over 4.5 billion people lacked access to essential healthcare services (WHO, 2023).
A Global Health Divide
Inequities in health outcomes persist globally. Maternal mortality rates remain high in many low-income countries. Mental health services are underfunded. Climate change and conflict have compounded existing vulnerabilities in health systems (UNDP, 2023).
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains out of reach for many, with cost, geography, and systemic exclusion acting as barriers (World Bank, 2023).
The Road to Health Equity
Strengthening healthcare systems, supporting mental health, investing in workforce training, and expanding digital access are central to achieving SDG 3. Cross-sector partnerships—particularly those that improve access, affordability, and innovation—can accelerate progress (United Nations, 2022).
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