Building upon the foundations of poverty eradication and food security, Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, strives to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Recognizing that health is fundamental to human dignity and a prerequisite for sustainable development, SDG 3 sets ambitious targets to address the major health challenges facing humanity. It calls for universal health coverage, the reduction of preventable deaths, and the promotion of physical and mental well-being for everyone, everywhere.

SDG 3 encompasses a wide range of health priorities, reflecting the interconnectedness of individual and public health. Its targets include reducing global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births, ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases, reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases) by one-third through prevention and treatment, and promoting mental health and well-being. Furthermore, it emphasizes strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol, and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

Good health and well-being are not only outcomes of sustainable development but also crucial drivers. A healthy population is more productive, has higher earning potential, and is better equipped to participate in social and economic life. Conversely, poor health can trap individuals and families in cycles of poverty and hinder overall societal progress. Investing in health systems, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing the social and environmental determinants of health are therefore essential for achieving all the SDGs.

Significant progress has been made in improving global health in recent decades, with reductions in child mortality and the control of certain infectious diseases. However, significant disparities persist across and within countries. Vulnerable populations, including women, children, adolescents, and those living in poverty or conflict-affected areas, often face greater health risks and have less access to quality healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the fragility of health systems and the urgent need for greater preparedness and resilience.

Achieving SDG 3 requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. This includes strengthening health systems to provide universal access to quality, affordable healthcare services, including primary healthcare. It also involves investing in the health workforce, ensuring access to essential medicines and vaccines, promoting research and development, and strengthening health information systems. Furthermore, addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality, education, and environmental factors, is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing health inequities.

Promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease are also key components of SDG 3. This includes public health campaigns to raise awareness about healthy diets, physical activity, the dangers of tobacco and alcohol use, and the importance of vaccination. Strengthening mental health services and addressing the stigma associated with mental illness are also critical.

In Hyderabad, as in other urban centers, ensuring good health and well-being requires addressing specific challenges such as access to healthcare for marginalized communities, managing the spread of infectious diseases in densely populated areas, and promoting healthy urban environments. Initiatives focused on improving sanitation, access to clean water, and air quality contribute directly to achieving SDG 3.

Achieving Good Health and Well-being for all by 2030 is an ambitious but achievable goal. It demands strong political commitment, adequate investment, multisectoral collaboration, and a focus on equity and leaving no one behind. By prioritizing SDG 3, we invest in the most valuable asset – the health and well-being of our people – paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. Today, on April 18th, 2025, as we reflect on the importance of global well-being, let's recommit to the actions needed to make SDG 3 a reality for everyone in Hyderabad and across the world.