Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
The greatest global health emergency of our time
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the world to go into emergency mode in the COVID-19 battle.
Almost two years into the pandemic, the global economy continues to be uncertain, health systems are overwhelmed and millions more people are being pushed into poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been defined as more than a health crisis: it is an economic crisis, a humanitarian crisis, a security crisis, and a human rights crisis, clearly demonstrating that good health and well-being must be the cornerstone of sustainable, equal and thriving societies.
In February’s Goal of the Month editorial, we focus on Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Why a focus on good health and well-being?
Ensuring everyone at all ages lead healthy lifestyles – both physical and mental health – while providing access to universal health coverage, safe and effective medicines and vaccines is critical to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals.
This also includes a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030.
There has been progress in many health areas, such as reducing maternal and child mortality. For example, the global under-5 mortality rate was halved from 2000 to 2019 – falling from 76 to 38 deaths per 1,000 live births.? However, the rate of improvement has slowed down during COVID-19, which is weakening health systems globally and threatening health outcomes already achieved.
Vaccine Inequity impedes COVID-19 recovery
The health crisis has ignited transformation change with a renewed focus on universal health coverage, social protection and stimulus packages by governments. However, vaccine inequity is threatening hard-won gains in the fight to end the pandemic. More than 30 countries, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, have not vaccinated even 10 per cent of their populations.
The rise of the omicron variant stresses the urgency of leaving no one behind as the international community accelerates efforts to end the pandemic.
The COVID-19 Health Crisis at a Glance
- Almost 350 million cases have been reported
- More than 5.5 million persons have died worldwide
- Manufacturers are producing 1.5 billion doses per month
- 85 per cent of people in Africa have yet to receive a single dose of vaccine
- Vaccination rates in high-income countries are seven times higher than in the countries of Africa
IN FOCUS: COVID-19 and Misinformation
As the world grapples with the pandemic, there has never been a greater need for accurate, verified information.
The plague of misinformation, like the virus, spreads from person-to-person, heightening the risk to health and spreading fear and division.
Verified, an initiative of the United Nations in collaboration with Purpose, seeks to debunk misinformation on the pandemic and provides access to trusted, accurate information that promotes science and real solutions.
Misinformation: Truth over Headlines
Join UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming and Adama Dieng, UNOHCHR Expert on Human Rights in Sudan & former UN Secretary-General Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocideat the SDG Media Zoneat Expo 2020, Dubai.
Learn about the work that the United Nations is doing to provide accurate and timely information – based on science and data – to dispel the rumors and fake news that continue to exacerbate inequalities and undermine global efforts to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. https://media.sby168.com/en/asset/k1r/k1r7li9a0w
HIGHLIGHTS
- The 60thSession of the Commission for Social Development | 7-16 February
- Global Compact for Safe, Orderly & Regular Migration – Report of the Secretary-General | 16 February, TBC
- General Assembly High-Level Thematic Debate: Galvanising Momentum for Universal Vaccination | 25 February
Other Key Moments?
World Cancer Day(4 February)
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation(6? February)
One Ocean Summit(9-11 February)
World Pulses Day(10 February)
Youth Environment Assembly? (19 February-4 March)
Global Forum for Human-Centred Recovery from COVID-19 (22 – 24 February)