Health - U4 - AOS2

SDGs

17 goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity

• adopted by the United Nations in 2016

• The 17 goals include 169 targets, which all aim to be achieved by 2030.

Main SDG objectives

• End extreme poverty

• Tackle climate change

• Fight inequality and injustice

SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing - key features

• reduce maternal mortality rates

• end preventable deaths of new borns and children under 5

• end the epidemics of communicable diseases

• reduce non-communicable disease

• promote mental HWB

• reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic incidents

• reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

Reduce maternal mortality rates

the death of a mother during pregnancy, childbirth or within six weeks of delivery, expressed per 100,000 women giving birth.

• on average, between 700 and 800 women die due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.

common causes for maternal mortality

• Complications during delivery such as obstructed labour

• Severe bleeding or Infection generally after childbirth

• High blood pressure during pregnancy

• Complications from an unsafe abortion

Actions which must be taken to reduce maternal mortality

• Increased access to sexual and reproductive healthcare: antenatal care which involves someone monitoring the health of the mother and child, contraception and family planning - helps women space their births and reduce pressure on their bodies

• Universal health coverage: healthcare support for women with comorbidities that may be exacerbated by pregnancy - high blood pressure, medical assistance for their general health and wellbeing that can impact prenatal development.

• Reduce child and adolescent pregnancy: Girls pregnant before 18, their bodies are often not prepared to cope with the demands of pregnancy - increasing risk of obstructed labour and maternal death - by improving education, access to sexual and reproductive health services, and laws against child marriage and abuse this can be prevented

End preventable deaths of new borns and children under five

focuses on preventing deaths in the neonatal period - first 28 days following birth, and the period up until a child turns five. 

Common causes of neonatal death include:

• Preterm birth complications, such as having underdeveloped lungs

• Birth asphyxia (lack of proper breathing and oxygen at birth)

• Infections

• Congenital abnormalities

• Birth trauma

Common causes of under 5 death include:

• Diarrhoea

• Pneumonia and other respiratory infections

• Malaria

• Malnutrition

• Measles

Actions which must be taken to reduce neonatal and under 5 mortality

• Increased access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services: pregnant women can access antenatal care and skilled birth attendants to reduce the likelihood of premature birth, birth trauma, asphyxiation and infections

• Achieving universal health coverage: healthcare, such as essential medicines and vaccinations, helping to reduce deaths from conditions such as diarrhoea, malaria and measles.

• Access to clean water and sanitation: common conditions as a result of infected water such as diarrhoea, cholera and other parasitic infections can be prevented.

End the epidemics of communicable diseases - aids

The most advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system becomes severely weakened and unable to fight off infections and diseases, occurs when HIV is left untreated and leads to issues such as cancer

• transmitted via bodily fluids such as blood, semen or breast milk and spred through sharing needles or unsafe sex

Actions to reduce aids

• no vaccine however antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help prevent it from progressing into AIDs

• improved acess to preventative measures like condoms and education

• fund research and development for a vaccine and cure for HIV infection

End the epidemics of communicable diseases - tuberculosis

contagious bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs - bacteria spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs leading to inflammation and tissue damage

• symptoms - fatigue, fever, chest pain

Actions to reduce tubercluosis

• access to healthcare and a well trained workforce - more knowledge to provide early diagnosis and treatment

• can be treated with medication and prevented with vaccinations

• increases funding for new treatment and prevention options due to some TB drgs being less effective then in the past due to the development of drug resistance by bacteria that causes TB

End the epidemics of communicable diseases - Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs)

A group of infectious diseases that primarily affect poor and marginalised populations living in tropical and subtropical regions

• caused by range of bacteria, fungi and viruses

• called neglected because historically they have recieved less attention and funding compared to major diseases like HIV or AIDs

Actions taken to reduce NTDs

• achieve universal health coverage - people in tropical or subtropical regions may lack adequate access to healthcare

• increased funding for new treatment and preventative options - historically less investment has been made for these conditions - with funding people can receive early prevention or treatment

• improved vector control - Some NTDs are transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and flies but can be reduced in areas humans live through vector control

• access to clean water and sanitation - to prevent the spread and breeding of NTDs

End the epidemics of communicable diseases - malaria

Develops when the plasmodium parasite is transmitted to humans though the bites of infected female mosquitoes - these infect red blood cells and multiply inside of them which eventually burst - reducing oxegen transport around the body

• symptoms like fever, chills and flu like illness

Actions taken to reduce malaria

• access to insecticide-treated bed nets as mosquitoes often bite people while they are sleeping - sleeping underneath these bed nets prevent people from being bitten and contracting malaria

• achieve universal health coverage - to receive diagnosis and treatment people need to access healthcare - in low income countries malaria is high

• improved access to vaccinatations - there are new vaccines

Reduce non-communicable disease

caused by a range of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors.

Actions which must be taken to reduce non-communicable diseases

• Implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: lead to increased taxes on tobacco, health warnings on packaging and more public education campaigns about the health risks of smoking.

• Tax sugar-sweetened drinks and alcohol: increased the cost of these products may reduce consumption. In particular, taxing sugary drinks will reduce children’s consumption and help reduce childhood obesity

• Encourage regular physical activity: A lack of physical activity does not allow sugar to be burned off so encouraging schools and workplaces to support people to engage in this activity can help reduce the risk of these conditions.

 

Promote mental health and wellbeing

• Assists people to manage the stresses of everyday life, contribute to the community, and work productively

• Poor mental health and wellbeing – impacts physical health and wellbeing, is a leading contributor to global suicide rates, with more men taking their life than women, and higher rates occurring in low- and middle-income countries and can also contribute to substance use, damaged relationships and poverty

Actions which should be taken to promote menatl HWB

• Achieving universal health coverage: people can access health services to help prevent, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including access to appropriate medications.

• Increased access to healthcare and a well-trained workforce: knowledgeable professionals who can identify signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, helping people to receive early diagnosis and treatment.

• Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse: People with substance abuse issues are more likely to experience poor mental health and wellbeing, so support in preventing and treating substance abuse will help to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

Factors which contribute to reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents

• Unsafe vehicles

• Poor quality roads

• Lack of laws and poor enforcement of existing laws

• Poor driver behaviour - speeding, driving under the influence

Actions which should be taken to reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents

• Increased investment in quality road infrastructure: This includes adequate lighting, safety barriers, and paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

• Improved regulations for vehicle safety: ensuring that vehicles have measures to protect drivers and passengers if they are in an accident, such as air bags.

• Implement and enforce road safety laws: speeding restrictions, alcohol limits and seat belt laws exist and are enforced.

Reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

• Indoor air pollution can come from cooking inside the home using coal - release soot particles into the air that get into the lungs - respiratory infections, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

• External air pollution mostly comes from traffic fumes and energy production through cities around the globe, many people are exposed to air that is not clean - respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

• Water and soil pollution can occur through poorly treated human sewage and wastewater, industrial waste from factories (including hazardous chemicals) - contribute to conditions, including diarrhoeal disease, hepatitis and parasitic infections.

Actions that can be taken to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

• Reducing the burning of fossil fuels will help to reduce external air pollution and increase the number of people breathing clean air globally.

• Improve infrastructure so more people have access to electricity globally: Indoor pollution comes from burning fuels to cook and heat homes, so if more people have access to electricity, this can be reduced.

• Improve public transport options: public transport allows less people will be reliant on cars - reducing traffic emissions and improves air quality.

SDG 1: No poverty

aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by ensuring equal access to resources, opportunities, and social protection for all people.

Key features of SDG1

• Eradicate extreme poverty - the world back defines extreme poverty as those living on less then $3 per day - not enough income to meet basic needs

• reduce the porportion of men, women and children living in poverty - ensuring more people have access to basic necessities such as food, water, shleter

• implemnet social protection systems - government programs designed to reduce poverty by heping people cope with lifestyle challenges such as unemplpyment, illness or old age

SDG1 link to SDG3

• people have an income to afford basic needs such as water - heping reduce transmission of bacteria in dirty water and reducing likelihood of cholera, combating waterborne diseases

• if the portion of men, women and children living in poverty is reduced they are more likely to have access to necessities - shelter - provides protection from insects such as mosquitoes - reduce transmission of malaria epidemic

• government assistance to meet basic needs such as healthcare - heps pregnant women recieve treatment if they are experiencing complications while pregnant - reduced risk of maternal mortality

SDG 2 : Zero hunger

aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture for all people.

key features of SDG2

• access to ongoing safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all that meets nutritional needs.

• End malnutrition which occurs when a person’s diet doesn’t provide right amounts of nutrients for healthy growth and body function.

• Double the agricultural productivity as small-scale food producers such as farmers being able to produce more food and agricultural products from their available resources such as land can increase their incomes.

SDG2 link to SDG3

• If both adults and children have access to safe and nutritious food, this will strengthen their immune system to function effectively and fight of tubercluosis and other communicable diseases - reducing likelihood of premature death and preventable deaths of children under five.

• If women can increase their agricultural productivity and increase their income, they are more likely to be able to afford healthcare if they are unwell while pregnant - help to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications that result in maternal mortality.

SDG4 : Quality education

aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning opportunities.

SDG4 key features

• Ensure all boys and girls have access to free primary and secondary education and should be free of discrimination.

• Ensure all youth achieve literacy and numeracy

• Increase the number of youth and adults with technical and vocational skills for employment - practical skills and knowledge that prepare people for specific jobs - focus on hands-on learning, rather than purely academic study.

SDG4 link to SGD3

• access education, allows students to be aware of the risks smoking - reduce tobacco consumption and likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

• Iimproved literacy, promotes better acess to understanding health promotion messages about sexual health - importance of condoms to reduce the spread of STIs - reduce the spread of HIV and end the epidemics of AIDS.

• improved technical and vocational skills - more employment oppurtunities to earn an income - increasing confidence and self-esteem - promote mental health and wellbeing.

SDG5 : Gender equality

aims to achieve equality between all genders and empower women and girls by eliminating discrimination, violence, and unequal access to opportunities.

SDG5 Key features

• end all forms of discrimination against women - including women being denied access to education, employment and healthcare

• eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls - human trafficking and sexual exploitation

• universal access to sexual and reproductive heath- includes having the freedom to make tehir own choices about their bodies, health and family planning

SDG5 links to SDG3

• ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls means they are more likely to feel like equal citizens in society - helps promote self esteem and reduce anxiety about not having equal access to education and employment - promoting mental health and wellbeing

• eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls means they are less likely to experience sexual exploitation - reduces spread of STIs such as HIV helping end epidemics of AIDs

• ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health for women and girls means they are more likely to receive advice on contraception and spacing of births - helps reduce complications and maternal mortality

SDG6 : clean water and sanitation

aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, promoting health, hygiene, and environmental protection.

SDG6 key features

• achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all - water free from chemicals or pathegons like bacteria

• achieve access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all - safe disposal of human waste and access to cleanliness

• improve water quality by reducing pollution - how cean water is and whether it is safe enough to drink, cook and wash with

SDG6 links to SDG3

• unviversal access to safe and affordable drinking water means less people will be consuming dirty water containing bacteria - less people are likely to develop water bourne diseases

• access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all means that women and girls are more likely to give birth in sanitary conditions - helps reduce likelihood of maternal mortality

• improving water quality by reducing pollution means less people are likely to consume water that is contaminated with chemicas and pathegons - helps reduce death and illnesses from water pollution

SDG12: Responsible consumption and production

aims to ensure sustainable use of natural resources by promoting efficient production, reducing waste, and encouraging environmentally friendly lifestyles.

SDG12 key features

• achieve efficient use of natural resources - water, wind, gas

• achieve access to sanitation and hygiene for all - safe disposal of human waste and cleanliness

• improve water quality - how cean water is and whether it is safe to drink, cook and wash with

SDG12 links to SDG3

• efficient use of natural resources reduces the depletion of earths natural resoures and lead to ess extreme weather events - helps promote mental HWB of people across the globe as they are less likely to experience the stress and anxiety associated with extreme weather events

• a reduction in global food waste means more people are likely to have access to food to meet their body needs - helps prevent conditions such as malnutrition in children - reducing premature death and neonatal or under five mortality

• reducing, recycling and reusing products means that there is likely to be less waste going to landfill - helping reduce pollution to soil and waterways - assists reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air

Who is the WHO

• health branch of the United Nations and was founded in 1948

• connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

• WHO’s Global Health Strategy and General Programme of Work (GPW) is a strategic document that sets anagenda for WHO's work on global health.

WHO - promote health

Healthier populations - 6 billion people will enjoy healthier lives

WHO - promote health - objectives

• respond to climate change - health systems that are resiliant to challenges associated with climate change and able to maintain health service delivery in the face of climate threats - will work with partners to reduce air pollution, promote access to safe water and sanitation and ensure people have ongoing nutrious food

• adress health determinants and the root causes of ill health - ensuring the social, ecpnomic and physical enviornment promotes HWB - the WHO is work with partners to adress causes of ill health such as tabacco and acohol consumption, lack of physica activity

WHO - provide health

Universal health coverage – 5 billion people will benefit from universal health care without financial hardship 

WHO - provide health - objectives

• ensure people have access to quality healthcare services regardless of where they are located and their ability to pay - the WHO will work with partners to ensure adequately trained health workers, healthy and safe work environments, funded health systems so they are sustainable

• ensure equitable access to healthcare services for marginalised and vulnerable populations including women - the WHO will work with partners to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, vaccines and medication and developing policies and practices so that people do not experience financial hardships

Protect health

Health emergencies – 7 billion people will be better protected from health emergencies

WHO - protect health - objectives

• to ensure countries across the world are safe from health emergencies and epidemics, eg the WHO will work with partners to: better detect, prevent and respond to new and emerging diseases and improve biosafety and biosecurity policies and practices to protect health workers and patients

• to ensure people have rapid access to health services during a health emergency, the WHO will work with partners to: provide quick access to essential health and nutrition services during emergencies and facilitate access to real-time information to respond rapidly to emergencies\

Aid

official development assistance (government aide that promotes the economic development and welfare of developing countries) given to countries or communities in the event of a crisis or for the development of long term sustainable improvements

-              More prominent in lower and middle income countries

The Australian government provides close to $5 billion in ODA each year 

 

Bilateral aid

• 2 countries

• Aid that is provided by the government of one country to the government of another country (1 donor and 1 recipient)

• Aims to meet specific needs and build sustainable economic growth for recipient country with the overall aim of reducing poverty

• Long term aid programs – extended period

• Meets needs of the communities for sustainable development

• Often focused on the development of infrastructure such as education and healthcare facilities and roads and bridges to promote health and reduce poverty

• Australia committed $101 million to support the upgrade of airport facilities in Timor Leste

Multilateral aid

• Many countries

• Aid combining donations from multiple countries, coordinated through an international organisation who distributes the aid where needed

• international organisation – united nations, the world health organisation and the world bank

• Aims to reduce poverty in low and middle income countries

• Focus on ongoing global issues like the impacts of climate change and conflict -Larger scale projects

• Impartial to government

• Australia provides close to $340 million to multilateral agencies annually

Why DFAT

• Influence – greater influence and ability to resolve issues then single bilateral partners

• Reach and scale – able to support programs in areas DFAT does not have bilateral agreements

• Expertise – specialised knowledge and skills – more effective impact of aid

Strengths of DFAT

• Greater reach utilising a global network

• Less influence from donor governments on how aid is given

• Different international organisations have specialised skills and expertise

Limitations of DFAT

• Donor governments do not have a say in where aid is given

• Tend to focus more on urban areas

• Large scale organisations with high administrative costs

Non-government organisation aid

• Work independently from the government

• NGOs rely on funding from donations and government contributions

• EG. Red cross, world vision

• Long term community based sustainable development programs

• Build local capacity

• Focused on addressing social and political issues – education, gender quality

• Often work in rural and remote areas

• Australia provides close to $150 million to global NGOs annually

Why DFAT funds NGOs

• Relationships – often have well established, trusted relationships with community leaders 

• Local knowledge and networks – employs locals as part of aid and delivery, bringing knowledge and connections

• Established infrastructure – ability to commit long term means they often have well established infrastructure to deliver aid effectively and efficiently

Advantages

• Often have long established relationships with local communities

• Can be more welcomed by communities as they are not affiliated with governments

• Often work in areas others cant reach -rural, remote and conflict affected areas

Disadvantages

•    Donor governments do not have a say in where aid is given

• Funding may vary year to year

Role of aid in providing humanitarian assistance

Involves the rapid assistance given to people or countries in immediate distress to relive suffering during and after natural disasters or man made emergencies (conflict)

(emergency aid)

• Designed to be short term - Rapid response

• Reactive and does not address cause of the crisis

• Provided in the form of material good – food, shelter, medical supplier or support personal such as search and rescue, medical teams

Australia’s aid program

Australia’s ODA (official developmental assistance) is mostly provided within the Indo-pacific region

• Papua new guinea and Indonesia receive the most aid from DFAT

• To help overcome poverty and achieve the SDGs

• Aims to protect our own national interest by promoting economic growth, poverty reduction and regional security (less asylum seekers, disease and conflict)

• As a UN member Australia has an obligation to help achieve SDGs

• Australia is one of the least generous ODA donors – ranked 26/32 as a % of GNI

 

Supporting the SDGs

DFAT has identified their development priorities which help target when, where and who they provide aid to which align with the UN SDGs – eg. Climate change, gender equality

• EG. DFAT priority - climate change - Tonga Renewable Energy Program (helping Tonga meet its target of 100% renewable energy by 2035) - Because the indo-pacific region is one of the most disaster prone regions in the world – DFAT provides support to identify, manage and respond to disaster risks and hazards

• EG. DFAT priority – gender equality – Women world banking activities in Southeast Asia (helping low income women build financial security by giving them access to financial tools and resources) – within 2019-2024 which DFAT contributed approx. $20 million - to achieve security, stability and sustainable development, ends gender based violence, increasing women’s leadership and economic empowerment ( ending extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice)

Partnerships

In order for DFAT aid program to be delivered effectively and ensure it is able to reach its aims it is vital that it partners with a wide range of organisations and implement. The aid programs and help achieve the SDGs.

• Other government departments eg. Federal police in Tonga

• Non-government organisations

• Bilateral donor partners

• Multilateral organisations  

What makes an aid program effective – RISE - relevance

is the program doing what recipients need

It must focus on:

• ensuring they address the actual needs of the recipients

• ensuring they are delivered in a culturally appropriate way

• ensuring the program can adapt when circumstances change

What makes an aid program effective – RISE - impact

Impact – has the program made a difference

Must focus on:

• ensuring the program has clear and measurable objectives

• including regular opportunities for feedback and assessment on performance

• including transparent evaluation processes to evaluate successes and areas for improvements

What makes an aid program effective – RISE - sustainability

 will the benefits last in the long term

Aid must focus on:

• involving recipients in the planning and implementation of the program

• educating recipients to ensure knowledge can be passed down

• ensuring recipients are empowered to take control of the programs when aid leaves

what makes an aid program effective – RISE - sustainability

Evaluate the effectiveness of aid programs – make a judgement whether the features have been achieved

Individual action

Actions taken by a single person to address an issue

EG.

• Reduce carbon foot print – use public transport

• Share posts on social media to raise awareness of global issues

• Switch to purchasing products that support fairtrade principles (fairtrade coffee and cotton products

• Changing behaviours to save water (turn off the tap when brushing your teeth)

 

Social action

collaborative effors by groups or communities to address an issue

EG.

• Donate a portion of your wage to support a global issue (world vision child sponsorship

• Participate in rallied (coming together publicly to express views, raise awareness, and advocate for change, aiming to challenge existing systems or policies.)

• Volunteer your time to help a cause (join an alternative schoolies week in Cambodia teaching English

• Conduct a fundraiser at your school (worlds greatest shave from the leukaemia foundation Australia

• Fairtrade – a global movement ensuring fair prices, decent working conditions and sustainable practices for farmers and workers in developing countries

  The UN has put together “the lazy persons guide to saving the world” with a range of individual actions

EG Malala Yousefzai

Pakistani female education activist

• In 2014 at the age of 17 she became the youngest person to be awarded a Noble Peace Pride

o   Individual – anonymously blogging about the Talibans education restrictions

o   Social action – advocating on a global stage for female education led to the establishment of the Malala fund