Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoal3
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab League Reaffirms Commitment to Drug Prevention on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Mohamed Mandour The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, by reaffirming its commitment to advancing coordinated Arab efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. In a statement, the General Secretariat emphasized the significance of the occasion as a global call to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of drug use on individuals and communities. It highlighted the importance of preventive measures and cross-border cooperation to achieve the shared goal of a drug-free world. The statement noted that the Council of Arab Health Ministers, during its 62nd ordinary session held in Geneva in 2025, adopted a resolution aimed at unifying Arab efforts to tackle the evolving drug threat. The resolution included a plan to address emerging patterns of prescription and psychotropic drug misuse, incorporating a report from the UAE's Ministry of Interior on controlled substances and aligning with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's strategy on synthetic drugs. Furthermore, the Council of the League of Arab States, at the Summit level, endorsed Resolution 920 during its 34th ordinary session held in Iraq on May 17, 2025, approving the establishment of an Arab Centre for Combating Drugs. The General Secretariat stressed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all—and to reducing the health and social burdens linked to substance and alcohol abuse. It called for increased awareness, stronger healthcare and social support systems, and better coordination among Arab nations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Child deaths down, vaccinations up-but India's health fight isn't over
India has made notable progress in achieving health targets under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. From lowering maternal and child mortality to improving immunisation and disease control, key health indicators suggest that the country is on track in several areas. What the UN Human Development Report says about India's health progress According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, India's Human Development Index (HDI) has increased by over 53 per cent since 1990—outpacing both global and South Asian averages. This has been driven by robust economic growth and welfare schemes like the National Rural Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat. Life expectancy has climbed to 72 years in 2023, the highest since the index began. 'India's life expectancy reaching its highest level is a testament to the country's recovery from the pandemic and its investments in human development,' said Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. SDG 3 score rises sharply, says NITI Aayog India's SDG 3 score rose from 52 in 2018 to 77 in 2023, as per the NITI Aayog SDG Index. Multiple states are now classified as 'front-runners' in health outcomes: Maternal mortality dropped to 97 per 100,000 live births. Eight states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have met the 2030 target of 70. Under-5 mortality fell to 32 per 1,000 live births. Kerala leads with just 8 deaths. Child immunisation (age 9–11 months) reached 93.23%, with several states surpassing 100%. HIV incidence remained at 0.05 per 1,000 uninfected individuals; Kerala reported 0.01. Tuberculosis case notification hit 87.13 per cent; Gujarat and UTs like Delhi surpassed national targets. Institutional deliveries stood at 97.18 per cent, with Lakshadweep achieving 100 per cent. Suicide rate was 12 per 100,000 population in 2022. Bihar had the lowest at 1. Malnutrition still affects children and women Despite gains, India still faces serious challenges: 35 per cent of children under five are stunted 19 per cent are wasted 67 per cent of under-five children and 57 per cent of women (15–49) are anaemic These figures from NFHS (2019–21) point to deep-rooted nutritional deficiencies that threaten long-term health outcomes. India's NCD burden rising fast Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer accounted for over 60 per cent of all deaths in India in 2019, according to the NCD portal. Experts warn that without targeted prevention and early detection, the NCD crisis could derail SDG progress. What India must do to stay on track for 2030 To meet SDG 3 goals, experts recommend an integrated strategy that: Expands last-mile healthcare delivery Scales up NCD screening and treatment Closes the nutrition gap in children and women Invests in mental health and injury care Increases funding for primary healthcare As the 2030 deadline approaches, bridging rural–urban divides and ensuring healthcare equity will be crucial to India's success in achieving SDG 3.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt to release nutrient guidelines for all age groups soon
New Delhi: The government will soon release nutrient prescriptions for all age groups, outlining the minimum requirements of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins for infants, adolescents, adults and the elderly, said people familiar with the matter. The age-based life-cycle nutrition strategy could also propose targeted interventions on discouraging, marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods and promoting healthy foods to people of different age groups. The move is aimed at doing away with the problems of undernourishment, excess weight and obesity, a key step in the direction of achieving India's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3, related to good health and well-being, and to creating a 'Healthy India by 2047', a senior government official told ET. In India, a body mass index of 23 and 24.9 kg/m² is considered overweight, while a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher is classified as obese. The NITI Aayog, the government's premier think tank, has firmed up an age-wise nutrition strategy after extensive stakeholder consultations for more than a year and is expected to submit its report in a month, the official said on condition of anonymity. The individual-level report, which will be advisory in nature, will be followed by community-wise and a national nutrition strategy over the next one year. An outcome-based monitoring and accountability framework will also be put in place to check food intake and its impact on reducing under-nourishment and obesity among different age groups. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier this year flagged the issue of obesity in India, terming it the root cause of many diseases, and urged people to cut down on edible oil consumption by 10% and do regular physical exercise to fight this chronic health condition. A Lancet study forecast that by 2050 one-third of India's population or 449 million will be obese.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE not facing nursing shortage, says top health official
Despite a persistent global shortage of nurses, the UAE is not experiencing the same crisis, according to a senior official from Emirates Health Services. This assurance was reaffirmed on the sidelines of the launch of the State of the World's Nursing Report 2025, coinciding with International Nurses Day on May 12. "The UAE does not face a shortage of nurses, as demonstrated by the strength of our healthcare system and the proactive services we provide. The country ranked first in the most recent WHO report on universal health coverage, which further highlights the robustness of our healthcare infrastructure," said Dr Sumaya Al Blooshi, head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery in the UAE and Director of the Nursing Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS). Speaking to Khaleej Times, on the sidelines of the event, Dr Sumaya added, "While there is currently no shortage, we continue to invest in developing our national health workforce. These indicators confirm that the country is on the right track, particularly in its strategic investment in nursing and overall healthcare excellence.' One graduate for every 10 workers The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) report, released Monday, indicates a slight global improvement in nursing numbers. The estimated shortage dropped from 15.4 million in 2020 to 14.7 million in 2023. However, the projected shortfall by 2030 has been revised upward to 11.1 million, highlighting slower-than-expected progress and persistent regional disparities. In 2020, approximately 2.2 million medical and nursing graduates entered the global workforce, equating to one new graduate for every 19 existing health workers. But to meet growing health demands — particularly in countries with expanding populations and ageing health workforces — the report suggests that output must increase to one graduate for every 10 workers. Dr Hanan Balkhy, regional director World Health Organisation Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO) said, 'Alarmingly, we are projected to account for nearly one quarter of the global nursing shortfall by 2030. We face tough realities, deteriorating working condition, gaps in education and training, weak regulation, deep inequities and the immigration of nurses to make matters worse.' Despite these global challenges, the UAE is taking proactive steps to use insights from the report to enhance workforce planning and ensure alignment with international benchmarks. 'The report serves as a call to action aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is Health…emphasising the need for greater investment in nursing and midwifery. In the UAE, we have taken proactive steps in response to the initial report by developing our Nursing and Midwifery Strategy for 2022–2026. This strategy involved making our workforce sustainable, fit for future, and able to serve our community in much better way,' Al Blooshi added. "Education is the cornerstone" She also outlined the foundational pillars of the national strategy, emphasising education and workforce planning. The first pillar focuses on delivering innovative education and continuous professional development. It includes defining clear career pathways, establishing competency frameworks and regulatory standards, and reinforcing governance within the profession. 'Education is the cornerstone — with clear career pathways and regulatory frameworks, we can ensure nurses grow with confidence and competence,' she said. The second pillar addresses workforce planning, calling for a balance between supply and demand, increased nursing student enrollment, and alignment between workforce growth and healthcare system needs. 'While we're encouraged by the steady rise in student numbers each year, further investment and effort are essential to meet future demands. She emphasised while there are a good number of nursing colleges, and universities, in the country but there is still a growing need for more. 'The real challenge lies not only in attracting individuals to the nursing profession but also in retaining them after graduation. We're still in the early stages of addressing these issues — working to draw more people into the field and, just as importantly, investing in their long-term future within the profession. 'We are proud to report that our Emirati workforce within Emirates Health Services (EHS) has reached approximately 14%. Additionally, we are working towards implementing a unique Transition to Practice program within EHS. This initiative aims to foster the growth and development of nurses, providing them with enhanced training opportunities,' Al Blooshi added.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tariff wars and their effects on social development
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the resurgence of tariff wars marked by the imposition of protectionist policies and retaliatory trade measures poses a grave threat to the social development agenda pursued by governments, international organisations, and civil society actors. While tariff policies are often justified under the guise of protecting domestic industries and correcting trade imbalances, their unintended consequences reverberate far beyond the economic realm, deeply affecting social sectors such as health, education, poverty eradication, hunger mitigation, migration, and environmental sustainability. In light of escalating geopolitical tensions, most notably between the US and China, as well as the EU's tightening trade regulations, it is crucial to analyse how these trade dynamics are influencing global social welfare. The health sector stands out as one of the most immediately impacted areas due to its dependency on globally interconnected supply chains. Tariffs on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and critical health infrastructure inputs can significantly inflate costs, thereby reducing accessibility and threatening public health systems, particularly in developing countries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, countries such as India and Brazil suffered from inflated prices for imported ventilators and personal protective equipment due to global supply constraints exacerbated by protectionist measures. According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report, an estimated 30% increase in the cost of essential health commodities was recorded in the wake of post-pandemic supply chain adjustments, worsened by tariff hikes imposed by countries seeking to boost domestic production. This trend disproportionately affects low-income countries that lack domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, thereby deepening health inequities and delaying progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Education systems are also vulnerable to the consequences of disrupted trade and constrained fiscal budgets. In many countries, especially those dependent on international aid and trade-based revenues, tariff wars result in reduced national income, forcing austerity measures and cuts in public spending including education. The World Bank's 2024 Global Economic Prospects report warned that global education investments could face a cumulative shortfall of over $210 billion by 2026 due to slowed economic growth attributed to protectionist trade regimes. Additionally, the increase in educational equipment and technology costs much of which is imported affects both access and quality, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In Africa, where cross-border educational partnerships and donor-funded programmes play a vital role, increased trade friction has already led to a reduction in foreign direct investment in education infrastructure, as noted by UNESCO's 2023 Education Monitoring Report. Poverty reduction efforts, which are closely tied to employment and market stability, have been significantly derailed by the volatility of global trade relations. Developing economies, which rely heavily on agricultural and manufacturing exports, are particularly susceptible. For example, Sub-Saharan African countries have faced diminished demand for raw materials like cocoa and cotton due to protectionist policies in Europe and North America. The African Development Bank estimates that for every 10% increase in global tariffs on primary exports, up to 1.5 million jobs in Africa are jeopardised. Moreover, trade barriers increase consumer prices for everyday goods, straining household budgets and pushing more individuals below the poverty line. The International Monetary Fund has projected that global poverty could rise by 3% if the current trend in tariff escalations continues, especially in regions already grappling with post-pandemic economic recovery. Hunger and food insecurity, both of which are closely tied to the flow of international food commodities, are also heavily influenced by trade restrictions. Food-producing countries, often incentivised to protect their markets, have, in recent years, imposed export restrictions that exacerbate shortages in food-importing nations. In 2022, India imposed export bans on wheat and rice amid domestic inflation, leading to significant food shortages in several African and Southeast Asian nations. According to the World Food Programme's Global Report on Food Crises (2024), 345 million people faced acute food insecurity, an increase of 25 million over the previous year with trade-related disruptions cited as a major contributing factor. Tariffs on fertilisers and agricultural machinery further impede productivity and inflate local food prices, disproportionately affecting marginalised rural communities. Migration is yet another social phenomenon shaped by the interplay of trade policy and economic stability. Economic downturns and reduced employment opportunities frequently resulting from diminished export potential often serve as push factors for migration. However, protectionist regimes tend to coincide with more restrictive immigration policies, compounding the plight of vulnerable migrant populations. In the case of the US, rising anti-immigration rhetoric and deportation rates have been linked to broader nationalist economic policies. According to Human Rights Watch, asylum seekers and economic migrants from Central America have increasingly faced detentions and deportations, even as their countries of origin experience economic crises exacerbated by trade exclusion. The convergence of economic protectionism and social exclusion thus creates a feedback loop that exacerbates inequality, xenophobia, and social tension. Environmental protection efforts are often deprioritised during periods of economic retrenchment driven by tariff wars. Many countries, facing reduced revenues and economic stagnation, scale back environmental programs in favor of short-term industrial gains. The rollback of environmental safeguards under the Trump administration, justified in part by trade competitiveness concerns, serves as a stark example. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), global investment in renewable energy dropped by 12% in 2023, with countries citing budgetary constraints influenced by trade-related revenue losses. Moreover, tariffs on green technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and wind turbines discourage their adoption and disrupt climate action plans. For example, EU tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports raised prices across the European market by an estimated 15%, delaying projects crucial to energy transition goals. As the climate crisis continues to threaten global ecosystems and livelihoods, any regression in environmental policy, triggered by economic nationalism, will have long-term planetary consequences. In synthesising these challenges, it becomes evident that tariff wars are not merely economic tools but instruments that inadvertently shape the trajectory of global social development. The interconnectedness of global supply chains means that trade disruptions have cascading effects on domestic policy capacity, social infrastructure, and public welfare. To address this, a recalibration of trade policy is urgently required, one that incorporates social impact assessments and ensures alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Institutions like the WTO, IMF, and regional trade blocs must play a more proactive role in mediating disputes and encouraging cooperative frameworks that prioritise human development alongside economic growth. While tariffs may serve short-term national interests under the banner of economic sovereignty, their broader implications reveal a stark cost to global social well-being. Health systems, education access, poverty reduction, food security, migration dynamics, and environmental protection are all intricately tied to the ebb and flow of global trade. Protectionist strategies, if pursued without regard for their social impact, risk eroding decades of progress in development and human rights. It is, therefore, imperative for policymakers to adopt a holistic, multilateral approach to trade, one that harmonises economic imperatives with social justice, sustainability, and international solidarity. This article is authored by Gunwant Singh, scholar, international relations and security studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
