"Health is essential for sustainable development," the United Nations states. Goal three is about health and well-being for everyone from young to old. According to the World Health Organization, the infant mortality rate fell 53 percent in 2015 compared to 1990. Yet six million children still die each year before the age of five. Most of these children live in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Four out of five children who die before age five are from these regions. Maternal mortality fell 44 percent in 2015 compared to 1990, according to the World Health Organization. But even here, there is still room for improvement. Maternal mortality is still 14 times higher in developing countries than in developed countries.
By 2030, the maternal mortality rate should be less than 70 per 100,000 live births. Also, the under-five mortality rate must be reduced to at least 25 per 1,000 live births worldwide.
In addition, epidemics such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other tropical diseases must end by 2030. To achieve this, more attention must be given to vaccine and drug research. The targets of this third goal also state that more attention must be paid to preventing and treating drug addictions and alcohol abuse. And traffic fatalities must be cut in half by 2020.
This goal includes an increased focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Sexual and reproductive health care must be accessible to all by 2030. Better information should also be available about reproduction and family planning so that everyone can make informed, individual choices.
