Glossary

16.3 Sustainable Development Goals and epidemiology

3 min read•july 25, 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives aimed at tackling pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030. In the realm of global health, these goals emphasize , universal coverage, and addressing beyond just treating diseases.

Epidemiology plays a crucial role in implementing the SDGs by providing methods to measure health outcomes, guide research priorities, and inform evidence-based policies. Key health-related targets include reducing maternal and , ending epidemics of major diseases, and addressing malnutrition and access to clean water and sanitation.

Sustainable Development Goals and Global Health

SDGs in global health

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Top images from around the web for SDGs in global health

  • Figure 2: SDGs with an environmental dimension View original

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  • The plan for a better world: The G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Heinrich ... View original

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  • Figure 2: SDGs with an environmental dimension View original

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  • SDGs overview: 17 interconnected global goals adopted by UN in 2015 succeed MDGs aim to address global challenges (poverty, inequality, climate change) by 2030

  • Relevance to global health: Focus on health equity and address social determinants of health (education, housing, environment) promote holistic approach to well-being beyond just absence of disease

  • Connection to epidemiology: Provide framework for measuring health outcomes guide research priorities in public health (infectious diseases, ) inform evidence-based policy making through data-driven approaches

    • Reduce to < 70 per 100,000 live births
    • End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5
    • End epidemics of , , , and
    • Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by ⅓
    • End all forms of malnutrition (stunting, wasting, obesity)
    • Address nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and older persons
    • Achieve universal access to safe drinking water
    • Improve water quality by reducing pollution and eliminating dumping of hazardous chemicals

Epidemiological Methods and SDG Implementation

Epidemiology for SDG monitoring

  • : Track disease incidence and prevalence monitor health indicators related to SDG targets (maternal mortality, child mortality)

  • : Collect data on health behaviors and risk factors (smoking, physical activity) assess coverage of health interventions (immunization, antenatal care)

  • : Quantify health impact of different conditions (DALYs, YLLs) identify priority areas for intervention based on disease burden

  • : Evaluate effects of policies and programs on SDG-related outcomes inform decision-making processes for resource allocation

Challenges of SDG achievement

  • : Insufficient funding for health systems inadequate infrastructure and medical supplies

  • : Shortage of trained healthcare workers limited access to essential medicines and technologies

  • : Lack of reliable vital registration systems incomplete or inaccurate health information systems

  • : Disruption of health services displacement of populations increased vulnerability to disease outbreaks

Intersectoral collaboration for SDGs

  • Importance of : Addressing social determinants of health (education, housing, environment) leveraging expertise from diverse fields (agriculture, urban planning, economics)

  • Types of partnerships: (vaccine development) (research initiatives) and community engagement ()

  • Benefits of collaboration: Resource pooling and efficiency (shared funding, expertise) innovation in problem-solving (interdisciplinary approaches) comprehensive approach to complex health issues (mental health, NCDs)

  • Challenges in collaboration: Aligning diverse stakeholder interests (profit vs. public good) coordinating across different sectors and organizational cultures ensuring accountability and transparency in joint initiatives

Key Terms to Review (28)

Academic-government collaborations: Academic-government collaborations refer to partnerships between academic institutions and government entities aimed at addressing public health challenges through research, policy development, and implementation of programs. These collaborations leverage the strengths of academia, such as expertise in research methodologies and data analysis, alongside government resources and authority to influence health policies and interventions.
AIDS: AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a serious condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. It represents the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a significantly reduced immune response and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers. The connection between AIDS and public health highlights the importance of understanding its impact on communities and the global health agenda.
Burden of disease studies: Burden of disease studies assess the impact of health problems on a population, measuring both morbidity and mortality associated with various diseases. These studies help identify which health issues pose the greatest threats to public health and can guide resource allocation and policy-making, particularly in relation to global health priorities like the Sustainable Development Goals.
Child Mortality: Child mortality refers to the death of infants and young children, typically defined as deaths occurring before the age of five. This metric is a critical indicator of public health and the overall well-being of a population, reflecting factors such as access to healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and maternal health. Understanding child mortality is essential for addressing the broader issues of health inequities and improving health outcomes globally.
Civil society organizations: Civil society organizations (CSOs) are non-governmental entities that operate independently from the government and are formed to promote various social, political, or environmental causes. These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for citizens' rights, providing services, and holding governments accountable, thereby contributing to the functioning of a healthy democracy and social welfare.
Data gaps and quality issues: Data gaps and quality issues refer to the absence of necessary information and the inconsistencies or inaccuracies in data that can undermine research and policy decisions. These challenges can impact the effectiveness of monitoring progress toward goals, especially in health and development contexts, where reliable data is essential for informed decision-making and resource allocation.
Health Equity: Health equity refers to the principle of fairness in health, ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. It involves addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes among different populations. Achieving health equity requires public health efforts to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent access to care and resources, thus connecting it deeply with mortality and morbidity rates, social determinants of health, the global burden of disease, and sustainable development goals.
Health Impact Assessments: Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are systematic evaluations that predict the potential health effects of a project, policy, or program before it is implemented. HIAs provide a framework for considering how social determinants and inequalities influence health outcomes, helping to inform decision-makers about the possible health implications of their actions. By highlighting disparities in health, HIAs play a crucial role in shaping sustainable policies that aim to improve public health and achieve equitable outcomes.
Health promotion programs: Health promotion programs are organized efforts designed to improve individual and community health through education, behavior change, and environmental adjustments. These programs aim to encourage healthier lifestyles, prevent disease, and reduce health disparities, often aligning with broader global objectives like the Sustainable Development Goals.
Health system capacity constraints: Health system capacity constraints refer to the limitations within a healthcare system that hinder its ability to effectively respond to health needs, including insufficient resources, personnel, infrastructure, or funding. These constraints can significantly impact public health initiatives and the overall effectiveness of a health system, especially in achieving sustainable development goals that aim for universal health coverage and improved health outcomes.
Intersectoral collaboration for SDGs: Intersectoral collaboration for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) refers to the cooperative efforts among various sectors—such as health, education, environment, and economy—to achieve the SDGs effectively. This collaboration recognizes that many issues are interconnected and require combined resources, knowledge, and skills from different sectors to address complex challenges like poverty, health disparities, and environmental sustainability.
Malaria: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease has significant implications for global health, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where it poses a major burden on healthcare systems and impacts economic development.
Maternal Mortality Ratio: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is a measure of the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, reflecting the risk associated with childbirth and the overall quality of maternal health care. It is a crucial indicator of health system performance and women's health, helping to highlight disparities in access to care and the effectiveness of medical interventions. High MMR values often indicate inadequate health services, poor nutritional status, or socio-economic factors that can affect pregnant women.
Multisectoral approach: A multisectoral approach is a strategy that involves collaboration across different sectors, such as health, education, agriculture, and finance, to address complex issues like public health and sustainable development. This approach recognizes that challenges often span multiple domains and require coordinated efforts from various stakeholders to create effective solutions.
Neglected tropical diseases: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that predominantly affect the world's poorest populations, often in tropical and subtropical regions. They are termed 'neglected' because they have historically received less attention and funding for research and treatment compared to other diseases, despite affecting millions of people and causing significant morbidity and mortality.
Non-communicable diseases: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions that are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. They are often chronic and are typically caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. NCDs include conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, which contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates.
Political instability and conflict: Political instability and conflict refer to the situations where there is a lack of political order, leading to civil unrest, violence, and breakdowns in governance. This term encompasses a range of issues, including armed conflict, protests, government corruption, and social unrest, which can have devastating effects on public health and socio-economic development.
Population-based surveys: Population-based surveys are systematic methods of data collection that target a specific population to gather information about health behaviors, conditions, and outcomes. These surveys play a crucial role in understanding the health status of communities and are essential for informing public health policies and programs, particularly in relation to achieving sustainable development goals.
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector organizations aimed at delivering public services or projects. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors, allowing for improved efficiency, innovation, and resource allocation in addressing health system needs and achieving developmental goals. By combining public oversight with private expertise and funding, PPPs can effectively enhance healthcare infrastructure and services, thereby contributing to overall global health improvements.
Resource limitations in low- and middle-income countries: Resource limitations in low- and middle-income countries refer to the constraints in financial, human, and physical resources that hinder the ability of these nations to effectively address public health issues and implement sustainable health interventions. These limitations can lead to inadequate healthcare systems, insufficient access to essential medicines, and a lack of trained healthcare professionals, ultimately affecting the overall health outcomes of populations. Understanding these constraints is crucial for formulating strategies that align with sustainable development goals and improve health equity.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger: SDG 2: Zero Hunger is a global initiative aimed at ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. This goal recognizes that hunger and malnutrition are significant barriers to human development and emphasizes the need for equitable access to safe, nutritious food for all, while ensuring sustainable food production systems.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: SDG 3, or Sustainable Development Goal 3, aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It emphasizes the importance of access to healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives while addressing various health challenges globally. This goal is integral to building resilient health systems and fostering healthier communities.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: SDG 6 refers to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal that aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is crucial for health, economic development, and the environment, directly impacting community well-being and disease prevention.
Social determinants of health: Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their overall health and quality of life. These factors include socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare. Understanding these determinants is essential for addressing health disparities and improving population health.
Surveillance Systems: Surveillance systems refer to organized methods for the continuous monitoring, collection, analysis, and dissemination of data regarding health events in populations. These systems are essential for identifying trends in diseases, tracking outbreaks, and informing public health responses. They help ensure that data is systematically gathered and utilized to enhance public health interventions and guide policy decisions related to health outcomes.
Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can lead to severe respiratory issues if not treated properly. The rise of multidrug-resistant TB strains has made this infection a significant public health concern, connecting it to both emerging and re-emerging infections, as well as global health initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
Universal health coverage: Universal health coverage (UHC) means ensuring that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It encompasses the full range of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, and is crucial for achieving equitable access to healthcare for all.
Vaccination campaigns: Vaccination campaigns are organized public health efforts aimed at administering vaccines to a large population in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These campaigns often target specific groups or demographics and are crucial in reducing the incidence of diseases, improving community health, and achieving herd immunity. By focusing on risk factors associated with vaccine-preventable diseases, these campaigns play a vital role in overall prevention strategies.
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