October 2015: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has published a report on preparations needed for the Americas region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on health: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” (Goal 3). The report aims to facilitate intersectoral dialogue ahead of the SDGs period, as well as during their implementation beginning in January 2016. PAHO serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report, ‘Preparing the Region of the Americas to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on Health,’ is divided into two parts. The first part consists of fact sheets on the issues related to Goal 3’s targets, including the targets on its means of implementation.

The fact sheet topics are: reducing maternal mortality; ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age; ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases; moving towards eliminating viral hepatitis; combating water-borne diseases; reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs); promoting mental health; promoting well-being; preventing and treating substance abuse and the harmful use of alcohol; reducing deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents; universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services; achieving universal access to health and universal health coverage; reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals; reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, water contamination and soil pollution; implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; developing and providing access to vaccines and medicines; increasing health financing; increasing recruitment, development, and training of the health workforce; and managing national and global health risks.

Each fact sheet also suggests one indicator for measuring the fulfillment of the SDG target.

The second part of the report compares the targets in Goal 3 with PAHO’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2019.

In addition to the report on Goal 3, PAHO plans to issue reports on implementing other SDGs that are essential contributors to health outcomes, including on eradicating poverty (Goal 1); reducing inequities (Goal 10); achieving food and nutritional security and safety (Goal 2); and preventing, preparing for, and mitigating the effects of climate change (Goal 13). [Report Webpage] [Publication: Preparing the Region of the Americas to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on Health]