Health

The 2030 Agenda and SDGs recognize that health and development are intrinsically linked, and that investments in health and other areas of development are mutually reinforcing. It takes into account widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and emerging challenges such as non-communicable diseases. Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and reducing inequalities. Also, multi-sectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches are essential to address inequalities and achieve good health for all.

Globally, 37.9 million people are living with HIV, with 1.7 million new infections every year. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes kill 40 million people each year. Neglected tropical diseases, endemic in 149 countries, affect 1.7 billion people. Outbreaks of Ebola and Zika have devastated communities, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable. Fragile and under-resourced health systems struggle to cope, including with climate shocks, are placing the lives and well-being of millions of people at risk. Every year 100 million people are pushed into poverty and 150 million people suffer financial catastrophe because of out-of-pocket expenditure on health services.

UNDP works in partnership with governments, civil society, the private sector and other UN organizations to support countries for the achievement of universal health coverage, including access to safe and affordable medicines, diagnostic and vaccines. UNDP’s work on HIV and health makes a powerful contribution to the 2030 Agenda and the commitment to ‘leave no-one behind’.