scholarly journals SDGs + Synergies: Design, Access + Aftercare in Global Public Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Cesario ◽  
S Maswime

Abstract As Citizens of the World, in 2020 we have been challenged to frankly + swiftly evaluate public health crises, social injustice + their intrinsic link to our global economies. This starkly pivotal year marks a decade to the deadline to fulfill the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are oft-considered the world's best plan towards building a better world for people and our planet. Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs are an international call-to-action to promote prosperity while protecting the environment. In light of the UN's 17th goal of Partnership, we wanted to amplify the interconnections between the specialties of architecture + health. This particular goal seeks to strengthen the means of implementation + revitalize the global collaboration for sustainable development. As an Architect specializing in Healthcare at SOM's New York office, Founder of WALLEN + daub + the Head of Global Surgery at University of Cape Town, we are approaching sustained well-being from our respective professions. We each serve different geographic markets towards the best outcomes. We pondered the codependency of space + care in creating a healing experience for patients. Global surgery + international healthcare architecture are rooted in serving others. Therefore, we are continuously considering the role of the professional in creating spatial infrastructure as a component of service delivery for care by clinicians. Progress is evident, but slow. The last Annual SDSN Report found that the best performing city is only making 68% progress toward full achievement of all seventeen SDGs. Of all largely-populated US cities, two-thirds are less than halfway there. As we work globally towards more equitable, healthy + resilient communities (#11), we must further investigate the impact and implementation of the other goals, namely: health + well-being (#3), access to sanitation (#6), + industry, innovation + infrastructure (#9). Key messages UN SDGs + public health care (sustainable care + design). Patient Well-being: Collaboration through sustainable development goals, design + care.

Author(s):  
Gloria Krahn

Accounting for about 15% of the world’s population, persons with disabilities constitute a critical population. Despite a substantial knowledge base in disability and public health, persons with disabilities have been remarkably invisible within general global public health. Public health’s view of disability is shifting from regarding disability only as an outcome to prevent, to using disability as a demographic characteristic that identifies a population experiencing a range of inequities. Alternative models of disability reflect how disability has been viewed over time. These models vary in their underlying values and assumptions, whether the locus of disability is the individual or the environment or their interaction, who designates “disability,” and the focus of intervention outcomes. The United Nations flagship report on Disability and Sustainable Development Goals, 2018 documents that, as a group, the lives of persons with disabilities are marked by large disparities in Sustainable Development Goal indicators. These include increased likelihood of experiencing poverty, hunger, poor health, and unemployment, and greater likelihood of encountering barriers to education and literacy, clean water and sanitation, energy, and information technology. Overall, persons with disabilities experience greater inequalities, and this is particularly experienced by women and girls with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters have highlighted the gaps in equality and consequent vulnerability of this population. Global disability data have improved dramatically during the decade from 2010 to 2020 with the advent of standardized disability question sets (Washington Group) and model surveys (Model Disability Survey). New studies from the Global South and North identify areas and strategies for interventions that can effectively advance the Sustainable Development Goals. This call-to-action outlines strategies for increasing visibility and improving wellbeing of persons with disabilities, particularly in the Global South. Increased visibility of the disability population within the global public health community can be achieved through active engagement of persons with disabilities. Improved collection of disability data and routine analysis by disability status can provide information vital to planning and policies. A twin-track approach can provide direction for interventions—inclusion in mainstream programs where possible, use of disability-specific and rehabilitation approaches where necessary. The article ends by outlining ways that multiple roles can increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities in global public health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1531
Author(s):  
Gifty Addico ◽  
Jennie Greaney ◽  
Yann Lacayo

Evidence demonstrates how rights-based family planning (FP) brings transformational benefits to women, families, communities and countries. Investing in FP is not only a human rights issue, but also a key catalytic factor for countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable and equitable access to FP has a tremendous socioeconomic impact and boosts synergistic efforts to reduce poverty, achieve food security and improved nutrition, save lives and improve health and well-being, improve women’s and girls’ education, advance gender equality and empowerment, mitigate the effects of access to water and sanitation, reduce the impact on health of climate change, and contribute to economic growth and social inclusion. Nevertheless, while the benefits are realized across many other sectors, the burden of financing for FP is born predominantly by the health sector. Although there have been several attempts to integrate FP into other sectors’ initiatives, the results have not yet been fully systematized or scaled up. This open letter calls for a new approach to broaden the attention of different sectors to invest in FP as a catalytic intervention to achieve the SDGs. Using the UNFPA Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Financing for Family Planning, we will highlight elements to be considered by development actors in shaping national, regional and global actions. By exploring new funding sources and mechanisms to increase investments in FP, maximizing efficiency, and overall, revamping FP beyond the health sector, we intend to expand the reach of the discussions across non-traditional actors, underscoring the need to increase efforts towards guaranteeing universal health access for all as a main contributor to achieve the 2030 agenda. Further, we will detail experiences of how UNFPA and development partners have incorporated innovative approaches to secure sustainable financing for FP at the national level providing concrete examples on how to proceed in this area.


Encyclopedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 871-892
Author(s):  
Jane Payumo ◽  
Evangelyn Alocilja ◽  
Chelsie Boodoo ◽  
Katy Luchini-Colbry ◽  
Pamela Ruegg ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity, especially in low-resource settings, and requires an interdisciplinary response across academia, government, countries, and societies. If unchecked, AMR will hamper progress towards reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending poverty and hunger, promoting healthy lives and well-being, and achieving sustained economic growth. There are many global initiatives to curb the effects of AMR, but significant gaps remain. New ways of thinking and operating in the context of the SDGs are essential to making progress. In this entry, we define the next generation of the AMR research network, its composition, and strategic activities that can help mitigate the threats due to AMR at the local, regional, and global levels. This is supported by a review of recent literature and bibliometric and network analyses to examine the current and future state of AMR research networks for global health and sustainable development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Brunet ◽  
Oumarou Savadogo ◽  
Pierre Baptiste ◽  
Michel A Bouchard ◽  
Jean Chrysostome Rakotoary ◽  
...  

In a context of energy transition towards renewable energies, this case study situated in Madagascar allows us to verify the extent to which an on-grid photovoltaic solar power plant represents a vector for sustainable development. The article proposes a model for assessing sustainability from a qualitative multi-criteria perspective. This analysis fits into the theoretical question of the science of sustainability by challenging the theory of endogenous development. The innovation of this research is based on the use of a qualitative approach to a technological issue filling a literature gap in the major issue of the effective sustainability of renewable energy (particularly in the context of an island state). The study emphasizes that the plant can only represent a vector for sustainable development with the collaboration of the concerned parties, which implies considering the electrification needs at the local level. The article confirms that the impacts generated by the power plant can lead to conflicts between different sustainable development goals. Theoretically, the study emphasizes that the evaluation of the sustainability of solar power plants should follow a process that: (i) uses a preferably qualitative methodology likely to understand the local conditions of the communities in which they are established; (ii) identifies dissociated indicators while taking into account the context; and (iii) analyzes the possible negative interactions between the impact areas by highlighting the key areas linked to land management and the well-being of women within a poverty reduction approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K N Nogales ◽  
A A Abrantes

Abstract Background The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development presents an unprecedented opportunity to apply an ecological perspective in public health. It’s success relays on the capacity to interpret and translate embodied principles into policies and actions. Regional policy document (PDs) guide the actions taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Member States. This study aims to explore the alignment between these tools and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the WHO European Region. Methods PDs were identified scanning the contents of the 2015-2018 Sessions of the Regional Committee for Europe - the WHO decision-making body. 17 PDs endorsed during this period were directly included. 39 Progress reports were scanned to find additional valid PDs. The Final list included 32 items. A content analysis of the PDs was used to establish alignment to 64 health-related SDGs targets. Results Preliminary results found that each PD aligned to multiple targets within and beyond SDG 3. 24 PDs addressed all targets of SDG 3. A gap within target 3.b was identified (development of medicines and vaccines). Three PDs dealt with health issues outside SDG 3: target 2.1 and 2.2 (end hunger and malnutrition), 15.8 (prevent and reduce the impact of invasive species), and 16.2 (end violence and abuse against children). Five crosscutting PDs aimed to reduce the impact of social, economic and environmental determinants of health on specific population groups, aligning to several targets at the time. Gaps in Target 8.7 (eradicate forced labor) and 14.2 (protect marine and coastal ecosystems) were found. Conclusions PDs have the potential of contributing to several targets simultaneously, linking health to diverse aspects of sustainable development. The SDGs open the possibility for multisectoral actions. PDs invite decision-makers to venture into unconventional policy fields to address public health concerns raised by climate change and sustainable development. Key messages Policy documents are a valuable instrument to advance the 2030 Agenda as they enjoy the commitment of Member States and guide the action taken by international and national decision makers. The ecological perspective in public health promised by the 2030 Agenda demands actions beyond SDG 3, to address the health dimension of all aspects of sustainable development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-58
Author(s):  
Diego Pereira Lindoso ◽  
Gabriela Litre ◽  
Julia Lopes Ferreira ◽  
Kayton Ávila

In Brazil, the process of localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using public databases faces technical, institutional and political challenges. There are essentially no comprehensive current studies regarding the downscaling of the SDG indicators at the smallest territorial levels (e.g., the municipal level). In the context of unprecedented health emergencies, such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this paper discusses the capacity of the Brazilian public information system to support the localization of SDG 3 (good health and well-being) indicators at the municipal level. This study evaluates the proposed indicators for SDG 3 and databases that underpin these indicators. The results and discussion cover central data and process deficiencies in the public health information systems that hinder SDG 3 localization efforts, the 2030 Agenda and its goal of universality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda Díaz-Perdomo ◽  
Luis Ignacio Álvarez-González ◽  
María José Sanzo-Pérez

The evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility is forcing firms to adopt a new business approach based on combining competitiveness improvement with societal well-being. This evolution is materialized in the adoption of socially innovative practices to solve complex social problems, where collaboration is a key to confront them. And it is that, considering the existence of huge social and environmental challenges, independent actions undertaken by each of the societal actors with only their own resources reveal clearly insufficient to address them. Thus, a way firms can encourage the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is done by partnering with stakeholders, and particularly by developing the strategies of co-creation with non-profits. This study assesses the effects of business-non-profit value co-creation on both the organizational performance of the partners, and the social results linked to the SDGs. The methodology used to study the existence of these relationships is known as structural equations modeling (SEM) analysis. The results derived from a quantitative-based research with 205 Spanish non-profits show a positive effect of co-creation on indicators at the micro- (individuals), meso- (both the organizations), and macro-(society) levels. Furthermore, positive indicators at the micro- and macro-levels have a positive influence on the performance of the partners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Alexandros Chrysos-Anestis ◽  
Charisios Achillas ◽  
Dimitrios Folinas ◽  
Dimitrios Aidonis ◽  
Michael Chrissos Anestis

Recently, the world has been faced with a variety of environmental, social, and economic problems. The effects of climate change and the lack of resources are constantly intensifying, while at the same time the impact of industrial production has become an international issue. Undoubtedly, this global paradigm and these relevant social and economic challenges require joint efforts at an international level. During the past few decades, a number of companies in Greece have undertaken initiatives towards sustainable development (SD) by adopting “green” practices. This work presents the findings of a survey that has been conducted in 2020, which investigates the extent of business contribution to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research was based on the analysis of sustainability reporting published by Greek companies. The key findings of the survey show that issues related to environmental protection, societal well-being, and citizens’ quality of life have attracted an increasing level of awareness in the Greek industry sectors. Issues such as climate change, as well as sustainable production and consumption, are becoming topics within companies’ day-to-day agenda.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 12944
Author(s):  
Sylvan Blignaut ◽  
Gary Pheiffer ◽  
Lesley Le Grange ◽  
Suriamurthee Maistry ◽  
Labby Ramrathan ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a plethora of inequalities in South Africa. These inequalities have had a direct impact on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 4 (quality education) were the focus of this article. This article investigated how students enrolled at a South African residential university perceived the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their well-being, their success in completing their studies and their future career prospects. A quantitative survey research design was followed. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire from 537 students in a South African university. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 27 was used to analyze the data. The results indicated direct influences on student well-being from concerns that arose from COVID-19 about future job concerns, degree completion, social support and belonging. The relationship between concerns about degree completion was moderated by a sense of belonging (social identification) but not by social support. The study has significant implications for how higher education institution governors and academics might consider reconceptualizing notions of student support, beyond the narrow, technical and basic curriculum support for degree completion, towards the affective and social as it relates to creating conditions for students to identify with and experience a profound sense of belonging.


Author(s):  
Márió Gajdács ◽  
Edit Urbán ◽  
Anette Stájer ◽  
Zoltán Baráth

The reduction in infectious disease morbidity and mortality may be attributed to a variety of factors; however, improved sanitation and public health, and the introduction of vaccines and antibiotics are among the most significant. The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens is an expected consequence of evolutionary adaptation to these noxious agents and the widespread use of these drugs has significantly sped up this process. Infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens are directly associated with worse clinical outcomes, longer hospital stays, excess mortality in the affected patients and an increasing burden and costs on the healthcare infrastructure. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were published in 2015 by the United Nations to serve as a global blueprint for a better, more equitable, more sustainable life on our planet. The SDGs contextualize AMR as a global public health and societal issue; in addition, the continuing emergence of AMR may limit the attainment on many SDGs. The aim of this mini-review is to provide insight on the interface between attainment of SDGs and the clinical problem of drug resistance in bacteria.


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