Regions of Southeast Asia to Fall Short in Achieving Goal of Eradicating Diseases by 2030 as Per Set United Nations Agenda
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries are facing several challenges in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, according to a recent study published in the journal PLOS Medicine. These obstacles also define pathways for accelerating progress.
Rural poverty and inequity are significant hurdles for many ASEAN countries, limiting access to healthcare and social services, thereby impeding progress towards health SDGs. The study found that countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines encounter considerable difficulties in meeting these goals, with the Philippines' overall score even regressing.
Weak and fragmented health systems, especially in countries like the Philippines, impact the ability to provide universal health coverage and manage diseases effectively. This fragmentation can be overcome by investing in cohesive, integrated healthcare systems with improved governance and financing mechanisms.
The high prevalence of risk factors such as elevated tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases significantly contribute to poor health outcomes. For instance, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam have seen a 40 to 90 percent increase in harmful alcohol consumption, among the highest in the world, which is fuelling chronic disease.
Infectious diseases persistence is another challenge, with none of the ASEAN countries on track to eliminate infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or neglected tropical diseases by 2030. HIV/AIDS cases have increased steadily in recent years.
Unequal financial and social development worsens inequities, making it difficult to meet SDG targets despite strong commitment. Disparities in access to healthcare financing and governance challenges exacerbate these issues.
However, there are ways for ASEAN countries to accelerate progress. Strengthening health systems and governance, addressing social determinants of health, implementing stronger public health measures, fostering regional collaboration and innovation, youth engagement and empowerment, and focusing on equity-driven action are all key strategies.
Success in high-performing ASEAN countries should be shared regionally to help those falling behind. The UN's 2030 deadline for the SDGs should be upheld, according to Paul Pronyk, a co-author of the study and a director of the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness.
Political stability and a tolerant society can contribute to homogeneous socio-economic growth, helping a country achieve the 2030 health goals. Singapore is the only ASEAN country projected to achieve the UN target for tackling non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes, and for road injuries.
The study emphasizes that socio-economic development is key to achieving health-related SDG targets. The ASEAN region, home to 667 million people, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Extending the timeline for SDGs risks diluting the urgency, particularly in areas like non-communicable disease and environmental health.
Pronyk urges accelerated, equity-driven action rather than a new timeline for SDGs. The study suggests that ASEAN countries should develop and implement robust strategies to address health issues. The article focuses on topics including Cities, Policy & Finance, Regions (Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Vietnam), and Tags (ASEAN, international cooperation, UN, water security, inequality, SDGs, healthcare, infectious diseases, diseases, air pollution, zoonotic diseases, SDGs 3. Health, 10. Inequality, 16. Peace, 17. Partnerships).
Cross-border collaboration and the sharing of best practices among ASEAN countries could help those struggling to meet health-related SDG targets, as observed in the high-performing nation of Singapore. addressingsuccess
Climate change poses a threat to water security, which in turn impacts health-and-wellness, particularly in the ASEAN region. Acknowledging this link, ASEAN countries should integrate climate change mitigation and water resource management strategies in their efforts towards SDGs. climatechangewatersecurity
Improving nutrition through a combination of agriculture, education, and medical-conditions interventions can contribute significantly to overall health outcomes. In light of the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, ASEAN countries might prioritize community-based nutrition programs to combat these conditions. nutritionncdscommunity-basedprograms
