Disability: fact sheet on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health targets

ABSTRACT

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world. They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. It is critical that no one is left behind. In 2015, all the countries in the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It sets out 17 Goals, which include 169 targets. These wide-ranging and ambitious Goals interconnect. SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It has 13 targets measured through 26 indicators. However, a person’s health and well-being are affected not only by disease and treatment, but also by social and economic factors such as housing, poverty and education. Health targets can therefore also be found across the other SDGs. Rates of disability in the WHO European Region are steadily increasing due to chronic health conditions, nonfatal injuries and population ageing. People with disabilities often face not only poor health but also persistent inequality, with less access to health care, housing, employment and financial security. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs pledge to leave no one behind and recognize disability as an issue that cuts across all SDGs. This fact sheet includes an overview of the issues, indicators, facts and figures, and a disability-inclusive agenda of actions.