Good Health and Well-being: The Foundation of Sustainable Societies (SDG 3)

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) is dedicated to "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." This foundational goal recognizes that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, crucial for individuals to reach their full potential and for societies to thrive. SDG 3 encompasses a wide range of targets, from reducing maternal and child mortality to combating communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, as well as addressing non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health. It also calls for universal health coverage, access to essential medicines and vaccines, and strengthening the capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks. Achieving SDG 3 requires significant investment in health systems, healthcare workers, and public health initiatives, ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship. Progress on this goal directly contributes to economic growth, education, and peace, underscoring its central role in the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.