Global Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Global Goal 3 is all about ensuring good health and well-being for everyone, everywhere.

First up, let's talk about why it's so important. When people are healthy and happy, they can do amazing things. They can work hard, learn new things, and contribute to their communities. But when they're sick or struggling, it's a lot harder for them to do all of that. That's why Global Goal 3 is all about making sure that everyone has access to the healthcare, education, and resources they need to be their best selves.

So, what kinds of things are included in Global Goal 3? Well, there's a whole bunch of stuff, from reducing the number of deaths from preventable diseases to improving mental health services to making sure everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. It's a big goal, but it's an important one.

Now, I know that some of you might be thinking, "well, that's all well and good, but what can I do to help?" And the good news is, there's actually a lot you can do! You can start by taking care of your own health - eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. You can also support organisations that are working to improve healthcare access and promote healthy living, either by donating money or volunteering your time.

But it's not just about individuals - governments and businesses also have a big role to play in achieving Global Goal 3. They can invest in healthcare infrastructure, create policies that promote healthy living, and work to reduce inequalities that make it harder for some people to access healthcare. And of course, they can support international efforts to improve health and well-being around the world.

Progress so far

Thanks to efforts to improve healthcare and prevent disease, the global under-five mortality rate has dropped by 59% since 1990. That's a huge improvement! And in 2019, for the first time ever, more than half of the world's population was able to access essential health services.

But it's not just about numbers - there have been some really exciting breakthroughs in healthcare too. For example, there have been major strides made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thanks to improved access to antiretroviral therapy, the number of AIDS-related deaths has decreased by 39% since 2010. And just last year, researchers announced that they had developed a new treatment that can cure even the most drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis. How cool is that?

Of course, there's still a lot of work to be done. In many parts of the world, people still struggle to access basic healthcare services, and preventable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis continue to take a toll. Mental health is also a big concern - depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide.

But even in the face of these challenges, there's reason to be hopeful. Global Goal 3 has inspired a lot of people to take action and make a difference. Governments, businesses, and individuals around the world are working together to improve healthcare access, promote healthy living, and reduce inequalities that make it harder for some people to stay healthy.

What can kids do to help with Global Goal 3?

1. Stay healthy: The best way to help achieve this goal is to start by taking care of your own health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and practice good hygiene to keep yourself healthy.
2. Spread awareness: Kids can educate themselves and others about health issues affecting people all around the world, such as diseases, access to healthcare, and the importance of vaccines.
3. Reduce waste: Encourage sustainable practices such as reducing the use of plastic, reusing items where possible, and recycling to promote a healthy environment which has a direct impact on public health.
4. Learn about mental health: Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and kids can learn about it through books, documentaries, and talking to their family and friends.

Why not check out all our incredible Global Goal 3 teaching resources!