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INTRODUCTION:

SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All at All
Ages
“Health is a state of the body. Wellness is a state of
being.” - J. Stanford
In our rapidly evolving world, the pursuit of global well-
being has become an imperative that transcends borders and
cultures. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century,
the interconnectedness of our world has underscored the
importance of fostering sustainable development that benefits
every individual, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic
status, and diverse culture. According to the WHO (2021),
maintaining good health is not only a fundamental human right but
also essential for individuals to lead fulfilling lives,
contribute effectively to society, and achieve their full
potential. Furthermore, good health is a key driver of economic
development, as healthier populations are more productive and
resilient.
However, in the pursuit of achieving healthy lives and well-
being for all, the track is definitely a challenging process. In
modern times, there is a continuous emergence of various
diseases. Despite notable strides, the country encounters
persistent obstacles in achieving optimal health and well-being.
Challenges include disparities in healthcare access and quality,
particularly in remote or underserved regions (WHO, 2021). The
burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases poses a
substantial health threat, requiring comprehensive strategies for
prevention and treatment (DOH, 2022). Furthermore, the goal of
universal health coverage confronts hurdles related to healthcare
financing and infrastructure, impacting the affordability and
accessibility of essential services (ADB, 2021). Hence, to
address these challenges effectively, there is a need for
sustained investments in healthcare, research, and risk
reduction, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated, multi-
sectoral approach (UNDP, 2021).
Amidst the challenges we face, there exists a visionary plan
that seeks to address fundamental issues and guide humanity
toward a more equitable and prosperous future. This plan is
encapsulated in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), a set of 17 objectives designed to address a range of
global issues by the year 2030, (United Nations, n.d.). The SDGs
cover a wide range of interconnected issues, including poverty,
hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water,
sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic
growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced
inequalities, sustainable cities, and communities, responsible
consumption and production, climate action, life below water,
life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and
partnerships for the goals.

One of the coverages of SDGs is “Ensuring healthy lives and


promoting well-being for all at all ages” known as SDG 3 which
underscores a fundamental aspect of sustainable development and a
relevant topic to be addressed nowadays. At its core, this seeks
to address the comprehensive health needs of individuals globally
including reproductive, maternal, and child health; communicable,
non-communicable, and environmental diseases; universal health
coverage; and access to safe, effective, high-quality, and
affordable medicines and vaccines for all (Grover and Murada,
2022). As reported by UNICEF, SDG 3 aims to prevent needless
suffering and premature death from preventable diseases,
addressing key targets to improve the overall health of a
country's population. By prioritizing regions with the highest
burden of disease and neglected population groups, SDG 3
acknowledges the importance of equity and inclusivity in
promoting well-being. Moreover, In the face of global health
challenges, SDG 3 encourages collaboration, research, and the
development of innovative solutions (United Nations, 2019).

Health significantly influences the overall well-being of an


individual, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions.
According to (WHO,2021) health is a determinant of an
individual's overall quality of life. While, physical health is a
cornerstone of well-being, contributing to one's ability to
engage in daily activities and maintain a high quality of life.
Furthermore, as stated by (World Psychiatric Association, 2021)
mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being, influencing
cognitive function, emotional resilience, and the ability to cope
with life's challenges. In addition, health plays a key role in
social interactions and relationships, contributing to a sense of
belonging and connectedness (CDC, 2021). SDG 3 recognizes that
health and well-being are critical throughout the lifespan,
addressing various aspects of individual and public health,
making it a big contributor to good health and, consequently,
overall well-being.

As we delve into the multifaceted approach of Sustainable


Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) in addressing health disparities and
challenges worldwide, it becomes evident that achieving better health
outcomes is not solely the responsibility of government, healthcare
systems, and international institutions. The role of communities
emerges as a crucial factor in promoting health and well-being.
Empowering individuals within communities to take an active role in
their own health and the health of their neighbors is a cornerstone of
building a better world. In addition, the United Nations is calling
for individuals to action, encouraging them to make informed health
choices, practice safe behaviors, and support vaccination. It
emphasizes raising awareness in communities about the importance of
good health, healthy lifestyles, and the right to quality healthcare,
particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children.
Additionally, it urges individuals to hold governments and decision-
makers accountable for improving people's access to health and
healthcare services.

Overall, at the center of these goals is the profound commitment


to ensuring healthy lives and well-being regardless of age. This
encompasses a holistic approach that goes beyond the mere absence of
disease, aiming for a state of complete physical, mental, and social
well-being. The following discussion of this research will further
delve into the current status of various epidemics and diseases
correlated to SDG 3’s aims to be addressed and the government
interventions.
(Introduction)
SUMMARY: SDG 3 Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for
All at All Ages

The introduction begins by emphasizing the increasing


importance of global well-being in our interconnected world. It
cites the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish that good
health is not only a fundamental human right but also crucial for
individual fulfillment, societal contribution, and economic
development.

The introduction acknowledges persistent challenges in


achieving optimal health and well-being, citing disparities in
healthcare access, the burden of diseases, and hurdles in
universal health coverage. It emphasizes the need for sustained
investments in healthcare, research, and risk reduction,
advocating for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.

The introduction then introduces the United Nations'


Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a visionary plan for
addressing global issues by 2030. It highlights SDG 3, "Ensuring
healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages," as a
fundamental aspect of sustainable development. As well as the
wide coverage and advocacy of various SDGs globally. The text
then outlines the comprehensive health needs it addresses,
including reproductive, maternal, and child health, communicable
and non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage, and
access to medicines and vaccines.

The interconnection between health and overall well-being is


explored, with the World Health Organization (WHO) defining
health as a determinant of an individual's quality of life. The
physical, mental, and social dimensions of health are emphasized,
with SDG 3 recognizing their critical role throughout the
lifespan.
The role of communities is highlighted as crucial in
promoting health and well-being, emphasizing individual
empowerment and active community participation. The United
Nations' call to action for individuals underscores the
importance of informed health choices, safe behaviors, and
support for vaccination. The Introduction concludes by
emphasizing the profound commitment to ensuring healthy lives and
well-being, going beyond the absence of disease to achieve
complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Lastly, the
research introduction introduces the current status of various
epidemics and diseases correlated with SDG 3 and government
interventions to be discussed further in the next parts of the
research.

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