Current Country Status and Key Initiatives to Support SDG 3 Targets

SDG 3 - "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages"

Status Overview

Latest data show mixed results across health indicators. While maternal mortality has declined, the pace falls far short of what is needed to meet 2030 targets. Under-five and neonatal mortality rates have improved significantly since 2000, offering the potential to save millions more lives if progress accelerates. HIV-related deaths have halved since 2010, but millions still lack treatment, and the global positive trends hide regional data showing that new infections are rising in several regions. Neglected tropical diseases affect nearly 1.5 billion people globally. Achieving universal health coverage requires intensified commitment to reach those most left behind. The UN is advancing Universal Health Coverage to promote equitable, people-centred health systems, focusing on fragile, conflict-affected regions, and areas with significant health inequalities. Through initiatives like UNAIDS and the WHO Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases, the UN targets the most underserved populations. It has also led efforts in pandemic preparedness and is intensifying action on mental health as a core component of overall well-being.

Report of the UN Secretary-General, May 2025

Proposed Initiatives for SDG 3 Targets

To support accelerated progress toward SDG 3, this section presents a set of evidence‑based initiatives, followed by tailored recommendations presented by country context, i.e., countries classified by the World Bank as low‑income, middle‑income, high‑income, and fragile/conflict‑affected states (FCAS). These key recommendations recognise that countries face different constraints and opportunities, and therefore require differentiated policy and financing approaches.


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