Good health.. How does it contribute to achieving sustainable development?
Good health.. How does it contribute to achieving sustainable development?
Education and health always stand out as essential elements for the advancement and progress of any nation, and this is something that time has proven many times, in a way that we have become clearly aware of in our contemporary world. The developed world is always characterized by providing the highest quality education and the best health care to its citizens. Hence, Earth Guards devoted its special file in the previous issue to discussing the issue of “Education for Sustainable Development,” and today we discuss with you the issue of good health and its vital role in supporting the achievement of sustainability at all levels.
Health is of undeniable importance in human life, as it represents the basic foundation on which prosperity and comprehensive development are based. In conjunction with the global trend towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of health appears as an essential element in these efforts.
Good health is based on several aspects, including physical, psychological and social, where a balance must be achieved between these aspects to achieve an integrated healthy life. If the physical dimension includes healthy food, exercise, and good sleep, the psychological dimension requires dealing with stress properly and maintaining mental health. The social dimension includes positive relationships and community support.
It is worth noting that the effect of good health is not limited to the individual only, but it has a clear impact on the entire society and in achieving comprehensive development. Healthier individuals are more productive in their communities, their health care expenses are reduced, and their overall standards of life and well-being are higher.
Therefore, improving health and ensuring access to health care services in general are among the most important priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes investing in the public and private health sector, launching initiatives aimed at providing basic health care for all, and awareness-raising campaigns, in addition to providing vaccines and essential medicines at affordable prices.
In short, it can be said: Good health represents the basis of economic growth, social development, and environmental preservation, and by investing in health and enhancing awareness of its importance, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for future generations.
From an economic standpoint, good health contributes to increasing worker productivity and reducing economic setbacks resulting from the outbreak of diseases and epidemics. Also, countries’ investments in health can be reflected in improving the gross domestic product and enhancing economic stability in the long term.
From a social perspective, access to health care services - in general - is considered an inherent right for everyone. Improvements in the field of health contribute to reducing social gaps, enhancing equality between genders and different social classes, and making citizens feel a sense of belonging and loyalty to their country.
From an environmental standpoint, achieving good environmental health entails reducing pollution rates and protecting nature and its natural resources. This has a positive impact on human health. Providing health services effectively requires attention to the surrounding environment and ensuring access to clean water and fresh air.
In view of these aspects - economic, social and environmental - we find that good health has a profound and comprehensive impact on achieving the goals of sustainable development. Public policies and investments directed towards improving health should therefore be an integral part of any country's sustainable development strategies. In the following lines, we will try to shed light on this file in more detail.
Goal Three: Good health and well-being
It is not surprising to find that good health and well-being is one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third goal comes directly after my two goals: eradicating poverty and completely eliminating hunger, which shows how important and pivotal good health is on our way towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The goal of Goal No. (3) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure a healthy life and enhance the well-being of everyone at various stages of life. Therefore, achieving this goal is vital. To improve the quality of life and reduce health gaps on a global level, by: improving everyone’s access to basic health care, as this is considered essential to ensuring a healthy life for all. This care includes disease prevention, primary medical care, and treatment for chronic and acute diseases. However, many countries face challenges in providing these services effectively; Due to financial constraints, lack of training, and weak infrastructure.
Promoting health awareness and educating the population plays a crucial role in achieving Goal No. (3); By providing the correct information about disease prevention and positive health behaviors, individuals can make the right health decisions about their lives. Promoting awareness also requires improving communication between health authorities and local communities. To ensure that awareness messages reach everyone.
Focusing on mental health and treating mental illnesses is also an essential part of Goal No. (3), as many people around the world suffer from psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, the necessary support and services must be provided to help recover and adapt to these cases.
Investment in scientific research and the development of new medicines and medical technologies contributes significantly to achieving Goal No. (3). By supporting innovation and accelerating development and distribution, healthcare can be improved and more effective treatments available, especially for complex diseases.
In short, achieving Goal No. (3) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires multilateral and diverse efforts to promote comprehensive health care and ensure healthy lives and well-being for everyone around the world. In the following title, we discuss with you the sub-goals and implementation mechanisms for this goal.
Sub-goals and implementation mechanisms
The United Nations has identified a number of sub-goals for good health and well-being, which amounted to 13 goals, in addition to 28 indicators to measure progress in achieving this goal, but the greatest focus falls on the first nine sub-goals, in addition to 4 mechanisms for implementation, which we highlight with you in the following lines.
First - Reducing maternal mortality: By this we mean the death of a woman during pregnancy or 42 days after giving birth - or less - for a reason related to pregnancy. The goal here is to reduce the global maternal mortality rate to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, by 2030.
Second - Reducing deaths of children under the age of five: This goal seeks to reduce the deaths of newborns and children under the age of five, while holding the responsibility of all countries to reduce newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1,000 live births, and to reduce deaths of children under the age of five to no more than 25 per 1,000 children, and this is by the year 2030.
Third - Combating infectious diseases: By 2030, the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and tropical diseases, which are usually ignored, must be eliminated, in addition to combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other infectious diseases.
Fourth - Reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases: By 2030, premature deaths resulting from non-communicable diseases must be reduced by one third, and this is through prevention and treatment measures, and promoting mental health and well-being.
Fifth - Prevention and treatment of drug abuse: This goal works to enhance the prevention of drug abuse and treatment of addiction, including alcohol abuse.
Sixth - Reducing injuries and deaths resulting from road accidents: It is one of the sub-goals whose time has passed, as it was scheduled by 2020 to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from road accidents by half.
Seventh - Promoting sexual and reproductive health: By 2030, universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services, including family planning services, must be ensured, with reproductive health clearly integrated into national strategies and programs.
Eighth - Achieving universal health coverage: including protection from financial risks (the inability of the poorest to manage treatment expenses), good access to basic health care services, and ensuring everyone’s access to safe and effective essential medicines and vaccines at an affordable cost.
Ninth - Environmental Health: By 2030, the number of deaths and diseases resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals, as well as deaths as a result of air, water and soil pollution, should have been significantly reduced.
To achieve these nine sub-goals, the United Nations has identified 4 basic mechanisms for implementation, through which we can strive forward to improve human health around the world, without regard to any social, ethnic, or religious considerations. These implementation mechanisms are as follows:
First - Implementing the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: It is the responsibility of every country to truly adopt the provisions of this agreement, while spreading awareness about the harms of tobacco to health, and the nature of diseases associated with smoking.
Second: Providing vaccines and medicines: This is by supporting research and development in this field, whether for infectious or non-communicable diseases. This has a profound impact, especially in developing countries, in addition to providing access to essential medicines and vaccines at affordable prices for all.
Third - Investing in health and medical staff: This is by pumping more funding into the health sector, including training, qualifying and employing appropriate workers, which affects - in particular - developing countries. Because it suffers from a shortage of medical personnel.
Fourth - Early warning systems: By improving these systems, we can enhance the ability of all countries - especially developing countries - to provide early warning of various health disasters. Which means reducing health risks and managing them properly, whether at the local or global level.
The role of infrastructure
Infrastructure plays an important role in developing and supporting all sectors, especially the health sector, as it is the basis through which various national agendas can be implemented, and this is due to the capabilities that infrastructure provides that help each country provide health services effectively and quickly. Here are the following points in general about the importance of infrastructure in the health sector:
First - Providing access: Good health infrastructure helps provide easy and appropriate access to health services for various populations, and establishing hospitals, medical centers and clinics in appropriate places means that people will not have to travel long distances; To obtain medical care.
Second - Improving the quality of services: Health infrastructure enhances the ability to provide high-quality medical care. If hospitals and medical centers are equipped with the necessary technologies and equipment and operate efficiently, this will contribute to providing optimal health care to patients.
Third - Improving response to crises: Health infrastructure has a crucial role in responding to health crises, such as epidemics and natural disasters. Perhaps the Corona pandemic was the best evidence of this. If there is an integrated and prepared health system, it will be possible to deal with various emergencies effectively and quickly.
Fourth - Strengthening the economy: Health infrastructure contributes to strengthening the economy by providing job opportunities and enhancing investment in the health sector, and individuals and companies may tend to invest in places where good health services are available.
Fifth - Promoting prevention and health awareness: Health infrastructure contributes to enhancing health awareness and educating people about the dangers of diseases and methods of preventing them. If there are health centers equipped with the necessary resources, then we can provide health awareness and education services to the local community.
Sixth - Strengthening scientific research: Health infrastructure contributes to supporting research in the medical field, by providing the necessary platforms and facilities for scientists and researchers. To work on developing new treatments and improving health care in general.
Seventh - Promoting health equity: Good infrastructure can contribute to achieving health equity, by increasing access to medical services for poor and marginalized communities, and reducing the gaps between different social classes.
Eighth - Enhancing public and environmental safety: Health infrastructure plays an important role in maintaining public and environmental safety, through managing medical waste in a safe and appropriate manner, combating infectious diseases, and providing clean water and sanitation.
In general, investing in health infrastructure represents a strategic investment that benefits the entire community by improving health and well-being and strengthening the local economy. In order to achieve the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But in this context, we should not overlook the need for the health infrastructure and the health sector itself to be sustainable.
Sustainability in the health sector
Sustainability in the health sector refers to the ability to meet current health needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their health needs. Below are some important aspects of achieving sustainability in the health sector.
Economic aspects: Economic sustainability relates to achieving a balance between the costs of providing health services and the quality of these services. This includes improving spending efficiency and developing new financing and business models that contribute to achieving the main goal. It is providing quality health services.
Social aspects: Social sustainability in the health sector focuses on improving access to health services and achieving societal justice. Meaning that services are available and fair to all segments of society without discrimination.
Environmental aspects: This is by encouraging environmental health behaviors and practices, such as reducing medical waste and managing it intelligently, in addition to designing health facilities in a sustainable manner, including reliance on renewable energy, and rational consumption of water and energy.
Technological aspects: Technology can play a major role in enhancing the sustainability of the health sector, and this includes the use of artificial intelligence and big data. To improve the quality of service delivery and manage resources efficiently.
Cooperative aspects: Strengthening international cooperation and developing partnerships with international organizations, governmental institutions, civil society and the private sector can contribute to improving access to health services, exchanging knowledge, and providing technical and financial support.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the health sector, tangible improvements in health care can be achieved, and the health and well-being of current and future generations can be maintained. In this article, we do not forget to emphasize the centrality and vitality of the role of medical teams - led by doctors in various specialties - in achieving health sustainability.
The role of medical staff
The role of medical teams is essential in achieving health sustainability, as it represents a crucial element in providing quality and effective health care. The responsibility placed on them to achieve health sustainability is not limited to treating patients and performing operations, but also includes many matters, including:
Providing basic health care: Medical teams work to provide basic health care to the community in a sustainable manner, including early detection of diseases, management of chronic diseases, and provision of appropriate vaccines and medications.
Education and Awareness: Medical teams play a crucial role in educating people about disease prevention and promoting positive health behaviors; Which helps limit the spread of epidemics and reduce unnecessary use of health services.
Research and innovation: Medical teams work to support research in the medical field, development and innovation in the field of health care. This includes developing new technologies and effective treatments, and using available resources more efficiently.
Managing health resources effectively: Medical teams are responsible for managing health resources effectively, including medicines, medical equipment, water, energy, and infrastructure in general. It is also responsible for reducing waste and achieving financial and environmental sustainability in the health sector.
Promoting diversity and inclusion: Medical teams work to ensure the equal provision of health services among all members of society - including vulnerable and marginalized groups - and to guarantee health rights for all without discrimination on any basis.
Developing sustainable health policies: Medical teams participate in developing health policies that promote sustainability, including encouraging public financing for health, applying preventive measures, and strengthening capabilities to confront health disasters.
In summary, medical teams play a critical role in achieving health sustainability, through the provision of basic health care, outreach, research and development, resource management, promoting diversity and inclusion, and developing sustainable health policies. But in order for these crews to be able to perform their assigned role, we must all support them with everything we can.
How do we support medical teams?
There is no doubt that investing time, effort and resources in supporting and developing medical teams is the cornerstone of achieving health sustainability. Below are the most important ways in which we can support and develop medical teams, enabling them to perform their humanitarian and moral duty with the highest quality and efficiency.
Providing education, training and development opportunities: Any country seeking to advance its health sector must provide a high level of education and training for medical staff, whether on the academic or practical level, including curricula, training halls and laboratories, while developing specific strategies to develop medical staff from doctors, nurses and others, in a way that improves their medical skills and knowledge, and enhances their practical capabilities, in addition to keeping up with the latest findings. Science in this field.
Providing psychological and social support: Programs must be provided to support medical staff psychologically and socially, especially in difficult circumstances and major health disasters, such as the Corona pandemic. To support their psychological resilience in the face of the difficulties and dangers they may face while performing their duties, in addition to raising awareness among patients of the sanctity and difficulty of the role of medical teams, and the necessity of dealing with them with all appreciation.
Providing financial and moral support: It is no secret that there is a severe shortage of medical personnel in developing countries, and a large part of this is due to the weakness of financial and moral support. Therefore, these countries turn into a repellent of talent and good manpower in this sector. For this reason, it must be taken into account that medical teams receive appropriate salaries, especially those working in remote areas, to ensure a decent life for them, and appropriate moral support must be provided. To encourage them to continue providing medical services in all circumstances.
Providing the necessary equipment and resources: The provision of modern medical equipment and facilities must be ensured, and the necessary resources must be provided to operate this equipment and facilities. Because this facilitates the work of medical teams in providing health service with the highest possible quality and efficiency. A brilliant doctor alone is not enough without the appropriate tools and environment.
Providing opportunities for professional development and encouraging innovation: Career paths must be provided for medical staff that allow them to advance; This motivates them to improve their skills and develop their performance. We must also encourage innovation to support increasing the efficiency of service provision, as well as involve staff in decision-making as they are the backbone of the health system.
Infection prevention programs: Medical teams deal with various types of diseases and epidemics, which necessarily means that a percentage of these teams are infected with some diseases, whether simple or serious. Therefore, adequate measures must be provided to protect these crews from exposure to infection, and to provide the best possible medical care to those who become infected.
All of the above will inevitably lead to the creation of skilled cadres with loyalty and affiliation to their country; This will reflect positively on the local health sector, so we can ensure that medical teams perform their duties with the expected quality and efficiency.
100 million health
There is still a long way to go until we can say that the health sector in Egypt has become as efficient as required, and with sufficient absorptive capacity. Despite the great efforts in this sector at various levels, the steady population increase stands as an obstacle to all efforts! All of this did not prevent the political leadership from exerting its utmost efforts to take steady and continuous steps in this sector towards achieving the goal of good health and well-being. Perhaps the most prominent of these steps is the President’s “100 Million Health” initiative, in addition to the initiatives that emerged from it, which we will quickly highlight.
The100 Million Health Initiativeis the first and most important presidential initiative in the field of health sector reform. The initiative aims to completely eliminate Hepatitis C, which Egypt has come a long way in, in addition to detecting non-communicable diseases. This completely free initiative was the starting point for many other initiatives in the field of public health, amounting to 10 initiatives, most of which were free, and some with nominal fees, namely:
Women’s Health Support Initiative: This initiative targets women over 18 years of age for early detection of breast cancer, raising awareness of how to detect the disease, and correcting misconceptions and misinformation about this disease, and this is completely free.
Initiative to screen people about to get married: In addition to an awareness booklet that can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health and Population’s website, the initiative examines people about to get married specifically for viruses and genetic diseases, and to ensure reproductive health, among others.
Maternal and Fetal Health Care Initiative: The initiative works to monitor the health status of the mother and fetus during pregnancy up to 42 days after birth. To reduce maternal mortality. The services of this initiative can be obtained completely free of charge.
Initiative for early detection and treatment of cancerous tumors: The initiative aims to early diagnosis of cancerous tumors in the lung, colon, prostate, and cervix; Because early detection allows for better chances of recovery and reduced mortality. The initiative also aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, and the initiative is completely free.
Initiative for early detection and treatment of hearing impairment and loss in newborns: It is a free initiative, which aims to facilitate citizens’ access to services for detecting hearing loss in newborns, and raise awareness of the seriousness of this matter.
Initiative for screening and treating chronic diseases, and early detection of kidney disease: Screening and treatment in this initiative is also free. The initiative aims to combat chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, and increase awareness of how to live in a healthy manner.
Initiative to detect and treat cases of malnutrition among primary school students: The initiative works on early detection of diseases associated with malnutrition in children, such as anemia, obesity, and short stature.
Initiative to treat children with spinal muscular atrophy: The initiative targets all children with spinal muscular atrophy. To follow up on their cases, while providing the necessary treatment for children under six months at the current stage, and examination and treatment in this initiative are provided free of charge.
Initiative for early detection of genetic diseases in newborns: It is an initiative that provides free detection and treatment services for 19 hereditary diseases in newborns admitted to critical care units in hospitals, which bears the slogan “100 Million Health.”
Mental health support initiative and early intervention for autism spectrum disorders: This initiative targets children from 18 to 24 months; For early detection of the autism spectrum, which allows early intervention to develop the skills of these children. The initiative also aims to raise awareness of this disease, reduce discrimination against those who suffer from it, and integrate them into society.
When looking at these initiatives, we find that they include all the sub-goals of the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which we mentioned previously, and these initiatives are not limited to Egyptians only, but rather provide their services to everyone in Egypt, including refugees and foreign residents. It is a major effort that demonstrates the awareness of the political leadership and its comprehensive knowledge of the dimensions of the issue of good health, and its sincere endeavor to preserve health. Egyptians.
In this regard, we should not forget to refer to the “Capable with Different” Fund, which is the fund established by Mr. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, so that it is responsible for coordination between various parties and organizations. To provide care and support in all aspects of life for people with disabilities.
Over recent years, Egypt’s health efforts have not only been limited to these initiatives, but have extended far beyond that, but the pages of this issue’s special file will not expand at length on all these efforts.
Conclusion of the special file
In the special file from Earth Guards, we tried to review - as usual - in a more comprehensive manner one of the most important and vital issues on our way towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): good health and well-being. The third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is of particular importance. Given that it directly affects every human being among us.
Health sustainability requires a comprehensive shift in our approach to the health care file. It is not just a matter of providing treatment, but rather a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, promoting public health, and preserving the environment. By adopting healthy lifestyles, taking advantage of modern technology, and developing health infrastructure, we can build a better and more sustainable future for future generations.
Health sustainability is considered an investment in the future, as it contributes to reducing health and economic burdens in the long term, and enhances individual productivity and social well-being. Promoting awareness and education on the importance of health sustainability, and encouraging cooperation between governments, institutions and individuals - represents the basis for achieving common goals in this vital field.
The Corona pandemic was a stern warning to the entire world of the seriousness of the health issue. This epidemic has paralyzed the global economy in many countries, something the world is still recovering from to this day. Hence, we must be aware of the importance of achieving the goal of good health, and this is within the framework of international cooperation.
The task is difficult and the road is long, but with awareness and continuous endeavor we can take firm steps in developing the elements of the health system, from infrastructure, medical staff, and academic curricula, but at the same time each of us must bear his responsibility in achieving this goal, whether by family planning or by following health instructions and guidelines, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes appropriate nutrition, exercise, and periodic health follow-up. General.
Our mission to preserve our resources and ensure their sustainability in the future, in order to provide fair opportunities for our future generations - requires us to be protectors of this land; This is achieved by achieving the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But in order for us to do this, the Earth Guards must be healthy and conscious, and only then will we be able to protect our present and ensure our future.
