The East Asia and Pacific region has made progress toward SDG 3, but challenges remain, particularly in healthcare access, disease prevention, and environmental health risks.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Some countries have low maternal mortality rates, but others still struggle with access to quality maternal healthcare.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have declined, but rural areas still face healthcare access barriers.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Progress has been made in reducing infectious diseases, but tuberculosis and dengue fever remain concerns.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Rising obesity and cardiovascular diseases pose challenges, requiring stronger prevention strategies.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): Mental health services are expanding, but stigma and limited resources hinder progress.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse are underway, but policy enforcement varies across countries.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Some nations have strong healthcare systems, but cost barriers and rural access remain issues.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air pollution and climate-related health risks continue to impact vulnerable populations.

Overall, while some progress has been made, urgent action is needed to strengthen healthcare systems, improve disease prevention, and address environmental health risks.

Europe and Central Asia have made progress toward SDG 3, but challenges remain, particularly in healthcare access, disease prevention, and environmental health risks. According to reports, the region is on track to achieve only 21 targets (17% of the 125 measurable targets) by 2030, while progress needs to accelerate for 84 targets, and 20 targets require a complete reversal of current trends.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Low rates in Western Europe, but Central Asia lags behind in maternal healthcare access.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have declined, but rural areas still face healthcare access barriers.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): HIV rates are declining, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): High rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes require stronger prevention strategies.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): Awareness is growing, but access to care remains uneven.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Tobacco use is falling, but alcohol abuse remains a concern.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Europe is largely on track, but Central Asia faces access barriers.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air pollution affects urban areas, but regulation improvements are helping.

Overall, while Europe is largely on track, Central Asia needs stronger policy interventions and investment to meet SDG 3 targets by 2030.

Latin America and the Caribbean face significant challenges in meeting SDG 3 by 2030. According to reports, only 23% of the SDG targets in the region are expected to be achieved by 2030, while 41% are moving in the right direction but too slowly, and 36% have stalled or regressed.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): While maternal mortality rates have declined, disparities remain, especially in rural and Indigenous communities.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have improved, but nutrition and healthcare access remain concerns.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Dengue fever, Zika, and tuberculosis continue to pose health risks.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are rising, requiring stronger prevention strategies.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): Limited resources and high stigma slow progress in mental health services.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Alcohol and drug-related disorders remain significant concerns.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Healthcare expansion is underway, but cost barriers persist.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Deforestation and pollution impact health, requiring stronger responses.

Overall, while some progress has been made, urgent action is needed to accelerate healthcare improvements, strengthen disease prevention, and address environmental health risks.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 3 by 2030. While some countries have made progress, others struggle due to conflict, economic instability, and healthcare disparities.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Low rates in Gulf states, but higher in conflict-affected nations.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Progress varies, with war-torn areas seeing high rates.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Strong disease control in wealthier nations, but gaps remain elsewhere.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Heart disease and obesity rising, requiring stronger prevention.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): High stigma and limited resources, despite growing awareness.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Rising smoking rates in some areas, requiring stricter regulations.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Access varies, with healthcare gaps in lower-income regions.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air pollution and water scarcity threaten public health.

Overall, while some MENA countries are on track, others require stronger policy interventions, increased investment, and conflict resolution to meet SDG 3 targets by 2030.

North America has made significant progress toward SDG 3, but challenges remain, particularly in healthcare access, disease prevention, and environmental health risks.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): The U.S. has higher maternal mortality rates than other high-income nations, especially among marginalised communities.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates are low overall, but racial disparities persist.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Vaccination efforts are strong, but antibiotic resistance is growing.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease remain major concerns.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): Expanding resources, but access remains uneven.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Opioid epidemic continues, despite intervention efforts.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Healthcare costs limit accessibility.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air and water pollution impact urban communities.

Overall, while North America is largely on track, addressing healthcare disparities, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition challenges will be crucial to fully achieving SDG 3 by 2030.

South Asia faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 3 by 2030. While some progress has been made, the region continues to struggle with healthcare access, disease prevention, and environmental health risks.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Maternal mortality rates remain high in some countries, requiring better healthcare access and investment.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have declined, but nutrition and sanitation issues persist.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Tuberculosis and dengue fever remain prevalent, requiring stronger disease control measures.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are rising, requiring better intervention.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): High stigma and low access to services hinder progress.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Tobacco and alcohol-related illnesses are significant concerns.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Healthcare access is improving, but rural areas remain underserved.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air pollution and water contamination pose major risks.

Overall, while some progress has been made, urgent action is needed to accelerate healthcare improvements, strengthen disease prevention, and address environmental health risks.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in meeting SDG 3 by 2030 due to their small economies, geographic isolation, and vulnerability to climate change. According to reports, global progress on the SDGs has stalled since 2020, and SIDS are particularly off-track. Here’s a breakdown of the likelihood of meeting each target:

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Some SIDS have low maternal mortality rates, but others—especially in remote islands—struggle with access to quality maternal healthcare.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have declined, but healthcare access barriers remain in isolated communities.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Climate-sensitive diseases like dengue and malaria remain prevalent, requiring stronger disease control measures.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Obesity and heart disease are rising due to dietary shifts and limited healthcare infrastructure.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): Limited resources and high stigma slow progress in mental health services.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Alcohol-related issues are prevalent in some islands, requiring stronger intervention programs.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Healthcare gaps exist, especially in remote islands, where access to specialised care is limited.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Climate change threatens public health, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events impacting healthcare infrastructure.

Overall, while some progress has been made, urgent action is needed to accelerate healthcare improvements, strengthen disease prevention, and address climate-related health risks.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 3 by 2030. According to reports, less than 6% of the measurable SDG targets in Africa are on track to be achieved by 2030, while many require accelerated progress.

• Reduce Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): Maternal mortality rates remain high, requiring better healthcare access and investment.
• End Preventable Deaths of Newborns and Children (Target 3.2): Child mortality rates have declined, but nutrition and sanitation issues persist.
• Fight Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis remain major challenges, requiring stronger disease control measures.
• Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (Target 3.4): Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are rising, requiring better intervention.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Well-Being (Target 3.5): High stigma and low access to services hinder progress.
• Reduce Substance Abuse (Target 3.6): Alcohol and tobacco-related illnesses are significant concerns.
• Ensure Universal Health Coverage (Target 3.8): Healthcare access is improving, but coverage remains low.
• Reduce Deaths from Pollution and Environmental Risks (Target 3.9): Air pollution and poor sanitation threaten health.

Overall, while some progress has been made, major policy shifts and increased investment are needed to reverse negative trends and accelerate healthcare improvements.

• Persistent prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
• High maternal and child mortality rates due to limited access to quality healthcare and trained healthcare professionals.
• Weak healthcare systems, particularly in remote and rural areas, exacerbating gaps in service delivery.

• Strengthen primary healthcare systems and increase the availability of skilled healthcare workers.
• Scale up vaccination programs and improve access to essential medicines for infectious diseases.
• Enhance maternal and child health services through targeted interventions like prenatal care and education.

• International funding to support healthcare infrastructure development in low-income regions.
• Community-based healthcare initiatives to reach underserved populations.
• Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international organisations for sustained health interventions.

• Shortage of medical professionals and resources in regions with high disease burdens.
• Resistance to vaccines and treatment in some communities due to misinformation.
• Persistent inequalities in access to healthcare.

• Governments: Develop policies for universal healthcare coverage and improve healthcare infrastructure.
• Businesses: Invest in pharmaceutical development and support healthcare delivery systems.
• Civil Society: Provide health education and advocate for equitable access to healthcare services.

• Africa’s Roll Back Malaria partnership, reducing malaria cases through preventive measures like mosquito nets and medicines.
• India’s Janani Suraksha Yojana initiative, incentivising institutional deliveries to reduce maternal mortality.

• Rising rates of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer due to lifestyle changes.
• Insufficient healthcare services to address the needs of ageing populations.
• Limited public health awareness and preventive measures for NCDs.

• Promote healthy lifestyle campaigns, including better nutrition and exercise.
• Develop specialised healthcare services and facilities for ageing populations.
• Integrate screening programs and early detection for NCDs into primary healthcare systems.

• Training healthcare professionals to manage and treat NCDs.
• Investments in geriatric care and medical technologies for ageing populations.
• Collaboration between health systems and communities to promote preventive care.

• Healthcare systems overwhelmed by increasing NCD cases.
• High cost of treatment for chronic diseases, limiting accessibility for low-income groups.
• Lack of integration between public health initiatives and healthcare delivery systems.

• Governments: Implement policies for comprehensive NCD prevention and care.
• Businesses: Support health education initiatives and develop affordable medicines and technologies.
• Civil Society: Advocate for awareness and equitable access to healthcare services for ageing populations.

• Japan’s initiatives for active ageing through community centres and health promotion programs.
• Mexico’s National Strategy for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, addressing high rates of obesity.

• Increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue due to changing climate patterns.
• Health impacts from extreme weather events, including heat stress, respiratory diseases, and injuries.
• Disruptions in healthcare delivery systems caused by climate-related disasters.

• Strengthen healthcare infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and ensure continuity of services.
• Promote public health campaigns focusing on climate-related health risks, such as heatwave preparedness.
• Develop early warning systems for vector-borne diseases and other climate-related health challenges.

• International cooperation and funding to address the intersection of health and climate challenges.
• Development of climate-resilient healthcare facilities and systems.
• Research on the impact of climate change on health to inform policy and interventions.

• Limited resources for climate adaptation in healthcare systems.
• Vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate impacts, including women and children.
• Lack of integration between health and environmental policies.

• Governments: Develop climate adaptation plans for healthcare systems and allocate funding for resilient health infrastructure.
• Businesses: Invest in innovative technologies for climate-resilient healthcare delivery.
• Civil Society: Advocate for climate-health linkages and support vulnerable populations.

• Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Program, which integrates health services into disaster response.
• Kenya’s use of climate-resilient mosquito control programs to combat the spread of malaria