Government of Canada launches its 2030 agenda National strategy, Goal 3 is to promote good health

In support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Canada launched a program called Moving Forward Together – Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy. The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and ensure that people live in peace and prosperity. One of these goals (SDG 3) is to ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.’

SDG 3 aims to ensure that all people live healthier lives and foster their well-being, which is critical for long-term development in Canada and around the world.

Role of government

The roles and responsibilities of local governments to ensure healthy lives in order to meet this goal will include:

• Improving health governance in terms of accessibility, affordability, and inclusion of basic sanitary facilities (clean drinking water, sanitation), hospitals, and medication/vaccinations
• Environmental pollution (air, water, and soil quality, noise, and waste) and animal control are monitored and regulated.
• Educating people about the dangers of substance abuse and the need for withdrawal treatment (alcohol, tobacco, drug use)
• Creating recreational opportunities (parks, sports fields and stadiums, swimming pools, camping grounds)
• Promoting healthy modes of urban transportation (walking, cycling and reliable, accessible and safe public transit)

Multiple objectives

In order to achieve this goal, the Canadian government has a list of objectives it seeks to achieve by 2030, this includes:

3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births

3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births

3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases

3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol

3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents

3.7   By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs

3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

Canada’s determination to ensure the good health and well-being of its residents is a testimony of its desire to meet the U. N’s agenda will ensure a better quality of life for everyone living in Canada including immigrants.