Sustainable development goals

Goal 3

Health and well-being

Presented by

Iram shahzadi
 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by
the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and
ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated—they
recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must
balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.Countries have committed to
prioritize progress for those who're furthest behind. The SDGs are designed to end poverty,
hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.

GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

SDG 3 is to: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." Important
indicators here are life expectancy as well as child and maternal mortality. Further indicators are
for example deaths from road traffic injuries, prevalence of current tobacco use, and suicide
mortality rate.

Good health is essential to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda reflects the complexity
and interconnectedness of the two. It takes into account widening economic and social
inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the climate and the environment, the continuing
burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and emerging challenges such as noncommunicable
diseases. Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and
reducing inequalities. Emerging global health priorities not explicitly included in the SDGs,
including antimicrobial resistance, also demand action.

But the world is off-track to achieve the health-related SDGs. Progress has been uneven, both
between and within countries. There’s a 31-year gap between the countries with the shortest and
longest life expectancies. And while some countries have made impressive gains, national
averages hide thatmany are being left behind. Multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive
approaches are essential to address inequalities and to build good health for all.

BACKGROUND

The UNDP reports that "every 2 seconds, someone aged 30 to 70 years dies prematurely from
noncommunicable diseases - cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory
disease, diabetes or cancer." According to statistics, globally, "2.4 million children died in the
first month of life in 2019 – approximately 6,700 neonatal deaths every day – with about a third
of all neonatal deaths occurring within the first day after birth, and close to three-quarters
occurring within the first week of life". Lack of access to quality healthcare is one of the major
factors. Neonatal mortality was highest in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia which post 27 and
25 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively, in 2019.
Insufficient funding for healthcare systems can cause them to buckle under the pressure of
growing populations. Lack of access to quality reproductive healthcare including modern
contraception and medically safe abortion leads to high unwanted pregnancy rates and
preventable maternal deaths. Worldwide, still almost half of all pregnancies are unintended
and more than 800 women die from pregnancy-related complications every day. Because of
population growth, the absolute number of women with an unmet need for contraception is still
increasing. Very high population densities facilitate disease transmission and hurt public health,
especially in areas where health services are already overburdened. Investing in quality health
care for all, including easy access to family planning, helps slow population growth and
improves lives.

AIMS

Goal 3 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 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 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.

TARGETS AND INDICATORS

SDG 3 has 13 targets and 28 indicators to measure progress toward targets. The first nine targets
are outcome targets:

1. Reducing maternal mortality

By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live
births
 Indicator: Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 live births)
 Percentage of births attended by personnel trained to give the necessary
supervision.
2. Ending all preventable deaths under five years of age
By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with
all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live
births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
 Indicators: Neonatal mortality rate (per 1,000 live births), under-5 mortality
rate (per 1,000 live births)
3. Fighting communicable diseases
By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical
diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases
 Indicators: Incidence, prevalence, and death rates associated with AIDS,
tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, hepatitis, and other major
communicable diseases
 Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population
  Tuberculosis per 100,000 population, Malaria incidence per 1,000 population,
Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population

4. Reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health

By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases
through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
 Indicators: Mortality rates attributed to cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and other non-communicable diseases;
prevalence of mental health disorders
 Suicide mortality rate

5. Preventing and treating substance abuse

Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug
abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
 Indicators: Prevalence of substance abuse disorders, alcohol consumption per
capita, proportion of population engaging in harmful use of alcohol
 Coverage of treatment interventions
(pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for
substance use disorders
6. Reducing road injuries and deaths
2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
 Indicator: Death rate due to road traffic accidents (per 100,000 population)
7. Granting universal access to sexual and reproductive care, family planning and
education
By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services,
including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of
reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
 Indicators: Contraceptive prevalence rate, adolescent birth rate, antenatal care
coverage, skilled attendance at birth, unmet need for family planning.
8. Achieving universal health coverage
Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to
quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and
affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
 Indicators: Coverage of essential health services,
 percentage of population with access to affordable essential medicines and
vaccines, proportion of household expenditure on healthcare
9. Reducing illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous
chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
 Indicators: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution,
water quality, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and waste management
 Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, sanitation, and lack of hygiene.
 Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning.
10. Implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate.
  Indicator: Prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents and adults,
enforcement of tobacco control policies and regulations
11. Supporting research, development, and universal access to affordable vaccines and
medicines.
Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the
communicable and noncommunicable diseases that primarily affect developing
countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in
accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health,
which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the
Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding
flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for
all.
 Indicators: Research and development expenditure in pharmaceuticals and
health, access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines
 Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their
national program.
 Total net official development assistance (ODA) to medical research and
basic health sectors.
 Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential
medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis.

12. Increasing health financing and support the health workforce in developing countries.
Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and
retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least
developed countries and small island developing States.
 Indicators: Total government expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP,
density of healthcare personnel (physicians, nurses, midwives) per 1,000
population

13. Improving early warning systems for global health risks.

Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early
warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
 Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their
national program.
 Total net official development assistance (ODA) to medical research and
basic health sectors.
 Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential
medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis.
Organizations dedicated to good health and well-being include:

UNICEF’s role in contributing to Goal 3 centres on healthy pregnancies, healthy childhoods, as

well as vaccine coverage. UNICEF also contributes to monitoring elements of the universal
health coverage indicator, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Joint United Nations Program
on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF,
Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime (UNODC), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UN
Women, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, Vodafone Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross
International, Medical IMPACT, Partners in Health, PanAfricare and The Global Health
Network.

Challanges
Globally, 1.1 billion people have a visual impairment that could have been treated or prevented.
Around the world, the number of people in need of eye care is spiralling. Unless eye health
services improve, 61 million people could be blind because of global population growth and
ageing by 2050.
While global child mortality declined by 14% between 2015 and 2020, similar gains have not
been seen in maternal mortality. Assessed from the start of 2016 to the end of 2020, the global
maternal mortality rate has stagnated: it was estimated at 223 per 100 000 live births in 2016 and
remained the same at 223 in 2020 – meaning in 2020, an estimated 287,000 died from maternal
causes globally.The combined polycrisis have severely threatened the lives of millions of people,
most of whom were already in precarious situations. As of 2021, the numbers are staggering: 25
million children unvaccinated or undervaccinated (2m more than 2020, and 6m more than 2019);
there were 475,000 deaths in children under-5 due to malaria; there were 220,000 deaths due to
road traffic injuries, and over 95,000 deaths due to drowning; there were 110,000 deaths due to
HIV/AIDS and 1.2 million deaths due to treatable non-communicable diseases. Over 50 million
children have a developmental disability. In 2021, there were over 10 million unintended
adolescent pregnancies. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of
death for 15–19-year-old girls globally. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-19-year-
olds and 10% – 20% adolescents have mental health conditions. Unhealthy environments
contribute to 1 in 4 deaths less than 5 years , 1 in 3 children globally are poisend by lead.
Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had impacts on all 17 goals. It has become "the worst human
and economic crisis in a lifetime." The pandemic threatened progress made in particular for
SDG 3 (health), SDG 4 (education), SDG 6 (water and sanitation for all), SDG 10 (reduce
inequality) and SDG 17 (partnerships).
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also taken the initiative to achieve the SDGs by
offering their support to developing countries. For example, the IMF works to reduce poverty in
low-income developing countries by offering financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Role of youth to achieve SDGs

There are 7 billion people plus living on the planet today and 1.8 billion are young people
aged 10-24 years– the largest ever youth population. Close to 90 per cent of them live in
developing countries, where they make up a large proportion of the population. Their
numbers are expected to grow—between 2015 and 2030 alone. So, young people must be at
the heart of the SDGs and take an active part in creating National Action Plans in their
countries in partnership with government and civil society organizations. In the next 5-10
years, They are going to drive economic growth, support their families, and become leaders
in various sectors Young people must be involved in monitoring and evaluating
achievements and challenges that the SDGs bring and young people must have a role
educating, empowering and working with their peers at local, national and global levels.
The 2030 Agenda places strong emphasis on the engagement of all sectors of society in its
adaptation, implementation, monitoring, follow up and review. The 2030 Agenda states that
“children and young women and men are critical agents of change and will find in the new
Goals a platform to channel their infinite capacities for activism into the creation of a better
world”.
Success of the SDGs depends on youth engagement because young people are:
 Critical thinkers: Youth have the capacity to identify and challenge existing power
structures and barriers to change, and to expose contradictions and biases
 Change-makers: Young people also have the power to act and mobilize others.
Youth activism is on the rise the world over, bolstered by broader connectivity and
access to social media.
 Innovators: In addition to bringing fresh perspectives, young people often have
direct knowledge of and insights into issues that are not accessible to adults.
 Communicators: Young people can be partners in communicating the agenda to
their peers and communities at the local level, as well as across countries and regions.
 Leaders: When young people are empowered with the knowledge of their rights and
supported to develop leadership skills, they can drive change in their communities
and countries. Youth-led organisations and networks in particular should be
supported and strengthened, because they contribute to the development of civic and
leadership skills among young people, especially marginalised youth.
Sustainable development Goal 3 and youth
Empower maternal healthcare services to ensure safe pregnancies and reduce maternal
mortality rates among youth. Provide youth with education and resources on infant and child
health, including immunization, nutrition, and access to pediatric healthcare services, to
prevent childhood mortality and ensure the well-being of children. Engage youth in
awareness campaigns, education programs, and community-based interventions to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases, promote early detection, and ensure access to treatment and
care, particularly among vulnerable youth populations. Empower youth with knowledge and
skills to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and
avoidance of tobacco and substance abuse, to prevent non-communicable diseases and
promote overall well-being.
Educate youth about road safety measures, including responsible driving practices, pedestrian
safety, and the use of helmets and seat belts, to reduce road traffic accidents and injuries
among young drivers and pedestrians. : Ensure that youth, especially marginalized and
vulnerable populations, have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health
services, including family planning, contraception, and STI/HIV testing and treatment, to
support their reproductive rights and empower them to make informed choices about their
sexual and reproductive health. Engage youth in tobacco control efforts, including tobacco
prevention campaigns, smoke-free policies, and enforcement of tobacco control laws, to
reduce tobacco use prevalence and prevent tobacco-related diseases among young people.
 Health and Well-being: SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-
being for all at all ages. For youth, good health and well-being are essential for their
overall development, including physical, mental, and social aspects. Achieving SDG 3
ensures that young people have access to the healthcare services, information, and
resources they need to thrive.
 Foundation for Future Productivity: Healthy youth are more likely to be productive
members of society. By investing in the health and well-being of young people, SDG 3
contributes to building a healthy and productive workforce for the future. Good health
enables youth to pursue education, employment opportunities, and contribute positively
to economic growth and development.
 Empowerment and Agency: SDG 3 empowers youth by promoting health education,
awareness, and access to healthcare services. When young people are knowledgeable
about their health and have access to healthcare, they are better equipped to make
informed decisions about their well-being, take control of their health outcomes, and
advocate for their rights and needs.
 Addressing Youth-specific Health Issues: SDG 3 recognizes the unique health
challenges faced by young people, such as sexual and reproductive health, mental health,
substance abuse, and injuries. By addressing these issues, SDG 3 ensures that youth-
specific health needs are prioritized and addressed effectively, leading to better health
outcomes and quality of life for young people.
 Agents of Change: Youth are not just beneficiaries but also agents of change in
achieving SDG 3. They play active roles in promoting health awareness, advocating for
health-related policies and programs, and driving community-level initiatives to improve
health outcomes. Youth-led organizations and movements contribute significantly to
advancing public health goals and creating positive changes in communities.
 Interconnectedness with Other Goals: Health is interconnected with several other
sustainable development goals, including education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5),
clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), and poverty eradication (SDG 1). By improving
health outcomes for youth, SDG 3 contributes to the achievement of multiple SDGs,
creating a ripple effect of positive impact across various domains of development.

GOALS WITH PAKISTANI YOUTHIn Pakistan, Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to
ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Here's how youth in Pakistan are exemplifying SDG 3:

 Health Education: Youth-led initiatives in Pakistan are actively involved in raising

awareness about health issues such as hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention.
They organize workshops, seminars, and campaigns in schools, colleges, and
communities to educate their peers and community members about the importance of
leading a healthy lifestyle.
 Access to Healthcare: Many young people in Pakistan are volunteering with
organizations that provide healthcare services to underserved communities. They
assist in organizing medical camps, providing basic healthcare services, distributing
medicines, and facilitating access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas
where access is limited.
  Mental Health Advocacy: Youth-led organizations are increasingly focusing on
raising awareness about mental health issues in Pakistan. They organize events,
online campaigns, and peer support groups to reduce the stigma surrounding mental
health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. Additionally, they
advocate for better mental healthcare services and policies at the national level.
 Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: Youth in Pakistan are promoting healthy lifestyles
by engaging in sports, physical activities, and recreational programs. They organize
sports tournaments, fitness camps, and outdoor activities to encourage their peers to
stay active and adopt healthy habits. Moreover, they advocate for the creation of safe
spaces for recreation and sports facilities in their communities.
 Advocacy for Healthcare Access: Pakistani youth are actively involved in
advocating for improved access to healthcare services, especially for marginalized
communities, women, and children. They participate in policy discussions, lobby
government officials, and raise awareness about the importance of investing in
healthcare infrastructure and ensuring universal health coverage for all citizens.
 Innovation in Healthcare: With the rise of technology, young innovators in Pakistan
are developing innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges. From
telemedicine platforms to mobile health apps, these young entrepreneurs are
leveraging technology to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and affordability in
the country
Overall, youth in Pakistan are playing a crucial role in advancing SDG 3 by promoting health
education, advocating for healthcare access, addressing mental health issues, promoting
healthy lifestyles, and innovating in the healthcare sector. Their efforts are not only
contributing to the well-being of their communities but also shaping the future of healthcare
in Pakistan.
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN
A situational analysis of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) in Pakistan reveals both
progress and challenges in achieving the targets related to health and well-being. Here's an
overview:
Maternal and Child Health:
Progress: Pakistan has made some strides in reducing maternal and child mortality rates over
the years, with improvements in access to maternal healthcare services and vaccination
coverage for children.
Challenges: Maternal and child mortality rates remain high, particularly in rural and remote
areas, due to factors such as inadequate access to healthcare facilities, skilled birth attendants,
and essential maternal and child health services.
Infectious Diseases:
Progress: Pakistan has made progress in combating infectious diseases such as polio, with
significant reductions in the number of cases reported in recent years.
Challenges: Challenges persist in controlling diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, dengue
fever, and hepatitis, due to factors such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access
to diagnostic and treatment services, and socio-economic disparities.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
Progress: Efforts have been made to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases such
as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, with some initiatives focused on prevention
and management.
Challenges: The prevalence of NCDs is increasing in Pakistan, driven by factors such as
unhealthy lifestyles, tobacco and substance abuse, inadequate healthcare infrastructure for
NCD management, and limited access to essential medicines and services.
Healthcare Infrastructure:
Progress: There have been investments in expanding healthcare infrastructure, including the
construction and upgrading of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in urban and rural
areas.
Challenges: Healthcare infrastructure remains insufficient, particularly in rural and remote
areas, leading to disparities in access to healthcare services. There is also a shortage of
healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives.
Universal Health Coverage:
Progress: Efforts have been made to promote universal health coverage, with the
introduction of health insurance schemes and initiatives to improve access to healthcare
services for vulnerable populations.
Challenges: Achieving universal health coverage remains a challenge, with issues related to
the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services, particularly for
marginalized and underserved communities.
Health Education and Awareness:
Progress: Various health education and awareness campaigns have been conducted to
promote hygiene, sanitation, family planning, and disease prevention.
Challenges: Limited health literacy and awareness, especially in rural areas, hinder the
adoption of healthy behaviors and practices. Addressing cultural and social barriers to health
education is essential for achieving sustainable behavior change.
Mental Health:
Progress: There is growing recognition of the importance of mental health, with some
initiatives focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental
healthcare services.
Challenges: Mental health services remain inadequate, with limited resources allocated to
mental health infrastructure and workforce development. Stigma and discrimination continue
to prevent individuals from seeking help for mental health issues.
In summary, while Pakistan has made progress in some areas related to SDG 3, significant
challenges remain in achieving universal access to quality healthcare services, reducing
maternal and child mortality, combating infectious diseases, addressing non-communicable
diseases, and promoting mental health and well-being. Efforts to strengthen healthcare
infrastructure, improve health education and awareness, enhance healthcare financing, and
address socio-economic disparities are crucial for advancing SDG 3 in Pakistan.
Possible solution with youth productive role to achieve SDG 3
 Maternal and Child Health: In Pakistan, maternal and child health remains a significant
challenge, Engaging youth in initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health can have a
significant impact. Youth-led programs could focus on raising awareness about the importance of
prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and the benefits of breastfeeding. Additionally, young
volunteers can be trained to provide support to pregnant women and new mothers in rural areas,
ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services.
 Combatting Communicable Diseases:
Pakistan faces several communicable disease challenges, including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and
water-borne illnesses like cholera. Youth can play a vital role in raising awareness about disease
prevention strategies, promoting hygiene practices, and advocating for better access to healthcare
services in underserved communities. Youth-led campaigns could focus on educating
communities about the importance of vaccination, safe drinking water, and sanitation to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases.
 Mental Health Awareness:
Mental health remains a neglected issue in Pakistan, with stigma surrounding mental illness
preventing many from seeking help. Youth-led initiatives can work to reduce stigma and raise
awareness about mental health issues. This could involve organizing workshops, seminars, and
awareness campaigns in schools and universities to educate young people about common mental
health disorders, coping strategies, and the importance of seeking help. Additionally, youth
volunteers can establish peer support groups and helplines to provide emotional support to those
in need.
 Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare:
Pakistan faces challenges related to access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services,
particularly for young people. Youth-led organizations can advocate for comprehensive sexuality
education in schools, ensuring that young people have access to accurate information about
reproductive health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Moreover, youth-
friendly clinics can be established to provide confidential and non-judgmental healthcare services
tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults.
 Road Safety Awareness:
Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and injury among young people in Pakistan.
Youth can lead road safety awareness campaigns targeting their peers and communities. These
campaigns could focus on promoting responsible driving behaviors, wearing seat belts and
helmets, and adhering to traffic rules. Youth volunteers can also organize road safety workshops
and conduct awareness sessions in schools and colleges to educate students about the importance
of road safety.
 Healthy Lifestyle Promotion:
Encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyles is crucial for preventing non-communicable
diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Youth-led initiatives can promote
physical activity, healthy eating habits, and tobacco-free lifestyles. This could involve organizing
sports events, fitness challenges, and cooking workshops to encourage young people to make
healthier choices.
 Focus on maternal, newborn and child survival
Strengthen primary healthcare systems to reach every child. When primary health care
(PHC) is fully resourced, it can be the most effective point of delivery for essential health
services, including immunization, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
programmes, from preconception through the first two decades of life. For relatively low
 cost, accessible PHC can prevent and rapidly diagnose and treat many debilitating or
possibly fatal illnesses – such as pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria - and other health
conditions among children, thereby saving lives and money in the longer term.
 Strengthen primary healthcare systems to reach every child

Increased and strengthened investment in primary health care is also necessary to realize
the expectations of UHC. Given the strength of the COVID-19 response, there are many
opportunities to leverage these investments to in strengthen PHC, including vital
immunization programmes Achieving all the SDGs, not just SDG 3, will be much more
difficult and uncertain without fully focusing on children’s health from pre-conception
through adolescence and into mother- and father- hood.

 Advocacy, awareness-raising and capacity-building

Through online and offline campaigns, workshops, publications, and events, young
people have been active indrawing attention to the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable
Development Goals, and key youth development issues. Through peer-to-peer education,
training and capacity-building, youth-led organizations are also at the forefront in the
planning and delivery of workshops and campaigns to provide a youth perspective on
national sustainable development discussions and to ensure that youth are meaningfully
engaged. While youth-led organizations are often well placed to provide training and
support to policymakers and government officials in their efforts to integrate youth
policies and participation into public planning processes, such organizations often suffer
from a lack of resources, funding and recognition. Awareness of and capacity for
development activities could be greatly enhanced through increased financial and
regulatory support for youth-led structures.

 Training
Trained, well-supplied, community health workers can help families make informed
decisions about their health and well-being and educate them on available services. Good
health also depends on availability of clean water and sanitation services as well as access
to a diverse, nutritious diet. As a last-mile delivery strategy community services can
cross-cut across sectors – including health; nutrition; early childhood development; social
protection; education; and water, sanitation and hygiene to ensure communities receive
the services they need.
 Volunteerism in Healthcare: Volunteering in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals,
clinics, and health camps, can provide valuable support to healthcare professionals.
Youth can assist in patient care, health screenings, and health education initiatives.
 Advocacy for Universal Healthcare Access: Pakistani youth can advocate for policies
and initiatives that aim to improve access to healthcare services for all segments of
society, especially marginalized communities. They can participate in advocacy
campaigns, lobby policymakers, and raise public awareness about the importance of
universal healthcare coverage.
  Innovation in Healthcare Technology: With their tech-savvy skills, Pakistani youth can
contribute to the development of innovative healthcare solutions. This could include
developing mobile health apps, telemedicine platforms, or other technological solutions
that improve healthcare access and delivery in remote or underserved areas.
 Community Health Initiatives: Youth-led community health initiatives, such as
organizing vaccination drives, blood donation camps, and health awareness campaigns,
can have a significant impact on improving public health outcomes at the grassroots
level.
 Environmental Health Advocacy: Environmental factors have a significant impact on
health outcomes. Pakistani youth can engage in advocacy efforts to address
environmental issues such as air and water pollution, climate change, and sanitation to
promote better health for all.
 Participation in Policy-making: Youth involvement in policy-making processes related
to healthcare and public health can ensure that the perspectives and needs of young
people are taken into account. They can join youth councils, engage with policymakers,
and participate in decision-making forums to advocate for policies that prioritize health
and well-being.

REFRENCES
 United Nations (2015) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25th September
2015, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Independent Group of Scientists appointed by the Secretary-General, Global Sustainable
Development Report 2023: Times of crisis, times of change: Science for accelerating
transformations to sustainable development, (United Nations, New York, 2023).
 "Impact of Pandemic, Worldwide Crises Must Be Overcome to Achieve Sustainable
Development Goals, Speakers Stress, as High-Level Political Forum Opens | UN
Press". press.un.org. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
 https://academic.oup.com/intqhc/article/31/2/147/4999232
 "SDG Indicators — SDG Indicators". sdg.iisd.org. Retrieved 2024-05-22
 "WHO - UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015". WHO. Archived from the
original on September 27, 2015.
 GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
https://data.unicef.org/sdgs/goal-3-good-health-wellbeing/
 UNDP, GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals/good-health
 "Explained: What is zero-hunger which is a Sustainable Development
Goal?". News9live. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
 "Goal 3: Good health and well-being". UNDP. Archived from the original on 30
December 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
 YOUTH IMPLEMENTING THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2019/02/chapter6-wyr-
2030agenda.pdf
 EMPOWERING YOUTH TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT E, Nesamani
Rahel Jenifer
https://www.sdnbvc.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Paperid03-2.pdf
 Youth as Key Drivers of Implementation of SDGs, Lok Sabha Secretariat
https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/Refinput/Research_notes/English/04122019_165315_102120
495.pdf
 "COVID-19 significantly impacts health services for noncommunicable
diseases". www.who.int. Retrieved 2020-09-25.