Sustainable Development In Bangladesh: Goal 3- Good Health

Repoter : News Room
Published: 16 April, 2020 9:47 pm

Barrister Fabliha Afia

Fabliha Afia:

GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 is good health and well-being. The United Nations (UN) has defined 13 Targets and 28 Indicators for SDG 3. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:^[1]

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

3.1.1 Maternal mortality ratio

3.1.2 Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel

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

3.2.1 Under-five mortality rate

3.2.2 Neonatal mortality rate

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

3.3.1 Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age and key populations

3.3.2 Tuberculosis incidence per 1,000 population

3.3.3 Malaria incidence per 1,000 population

3.3.4 Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population

3.3.5 Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical 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

3.4.1 Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease

3.4.2 Suicide mortality rate

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

3.5.1 Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

3.5.2 Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in litres of pure alcohol

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

3.6.1 Death rate due to road traffic injuries

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 programmes

3.7.1 Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods

3.7.2 Adolescent birth rate (aged 10-14 years; aged 15-19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group

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

3.8.1 Coverage of essential health services (defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population)

3.8.2 Proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income

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

3.9.1 Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution

3.9.2 Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for All (WASH) services)

3.9.3 Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning

3.A Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate

3.A.1 Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older

3.B Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all

3.B.1 Proportion of the population with access to affordable medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis

3.B.2 Total net official development assistance to medical research and basic health sectors

3.C Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States

3.C.1 Health worker density and distribution

3.D Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks

3.D.1 International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness

DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA OF THE INDICATORS

Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved.^[2] The Indicators can be further explained as follows:^[3]

3.1.1 Definition: Indicator 3.1.1 is the maternal mortality ratio.

The maternal mortality ratio refers to the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births.

Goal: By 2030 reduce global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births per year. In addition, all countries should reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 140 per 100,000 live births.

Bangladesh: The maternal mortality rate is gradually reducing in Bangladesh. In 2013 the ratio was 201 per 100,000 live births, in 2014 it was 188 per 100,000 live births, and in 2015 it was 176 per 100,000 live births.

3.1.2 Definition: Indicator 3.1.2 is the percentage of births attended by personnel trained to give the necessary supervision, care, and advice to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period; to conduct deliveries on their own; and to care for newborns.

Goal: The UN Target 3.1 is to reduce global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births. In addition, all countries should reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 140 per 100,000 live births.

However, there is no goal specified by the UN for the share of births attended by skilled staff.

Bangladesh: The percentage of births attended by skilled health staff is gradually increasing in Bangladesh. In 2014 the share was 42.1%, and in 2016 it was 49.8%.

3.2.1 Definition: Indicator 3.2.1 is the under-5 mortality rate.

The under-5 mortality rate measures the number of children per 1,000 live births who die before their 5th birthday.

Goal: By 2030 reduce child mortality to less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births per year across all countries.

Bangladesh: Child mortality rate is gradually decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2015 child mortality rate was 36.40 deaths per 1,000 live births, in 2016 it was 34.30 deaths per 1,000 live births, and in 2017 it was 32.40 deaths per 1,000 live births.

3.2.2 Definition: Indicator 3.2.2 is the neonatal mortality rate.

Neonatal mortality rate is defined as the share of newborns per 1,000 live births in a given year who die before reaching 28 days of age.

Goal: By 2030 reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births per year across all countries.

Bangladesh: Neonatal mortality rate is gradually decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2015 neonatal mortality was 20.7 per 1,000 live births, in 2016 it was 19.5 per 1,000 live births, and in 2017 it was 18.4 per 1,000 live births.

3.3.1 Definition: Indicator 3.3.1 is the number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population.

This is shown as the number of new cases of HIV per year amongst uninfected adults per 1,000 people aged 15-49.

Goal: The target 2030 is to end the epidemic of HIV across all countries. The targeted level of reduction, however, is not defined.

UNAIDS has set a target (not specifically related to the SDGs) of reducing to less than 200,000 new infections globally among adults by 2030. This would mean a reduction to 0.02 new cases per 1,000 people globally in 2030.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the number of HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population is low. In 2017 the number of HIV infections was 0.02 per 1,000 uninfected population. This meets the standard by UNAIDS.

3.3.2 Definition: Indicator 3.3.2 is tubercolusis per 100,000 population.

Tuberculosis incidence is the number of new cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 people.

Goal: The 2030 target is to end the epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) in all countries. The targeted level of reduction, however, is not defined.

The World Health Organization’s Stop TB Partnership has set a target (not specifically related to the SDGs) of reducing national incidence of TB to fewer than 20 cases per 100,000 by 2030.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the tuberculosis incidence in 2016 was 221 per 100,000 people.

3.3.3 Definition: Indicator 3.3.3 is malaria incidence per 1,000 population.

Malaria incidence is the number of new cases of malaria in one year per 1,000 people in a given population.

Goal: By 2030 end the epidemic of malaria in all countries. The targeted level of reduction, however, is not defined.

The WHO Global Technical Strategy has set a target of reducing incidence by 90 percent by 2030. This would infer a target of 9 or fewer cases of malaria per 1,000 people globally in 2030.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the malaria incidence is low. In 2015 the number of new cases of malaria was 0.8 per 1,000 population at risk. This meets the standard by WHO Global Technical Strategy.

3.3.4 Definition: Indicator 3.3.4 is Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population.

Hepatitis B incidence is the number of new cases of hepatitis B in one year per 100,000 individuals in a given population.

Goal: By 2030 combat hepatitis in all countries with a focus on hepatitis B. The targeted level of reduction, however, is not defined.

Bangladesh: Hepatitis B incidence rate is increasing in the country. In 2015 the number of new cases was 1,501 per 100,000 population, in 2016 it was 1,509 per 100,000 population, and in 2017 it was 1,519 per 100,000 population.

3.3.5 Definition: Indicator 3.3.5 is the number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases.

This is defined as the number of people who require interventions (treatment and care) for any of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) identified by the WHO NTD Roadmap and World Health Assembly resolutions. Treatment and care is broadly defined to allow for preventive, curative, surgical or rehabilitative treatment and care.

The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are:^[4]

Goal: By 2030 end the epidemic of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in all countries. The targeted level of reduction, however, is not defined.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is gradually decreasing. In 2013 the number was 80.10 million, in 2014 it was 49.87 million, and in 2015 it was 49.84 million.

3.4.1 Definition: Indicator 3.4.1 is the mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.

This is defined as the percent of 30-year-old-people who would die before their 70th birthday from any of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease, assuming that they would experience current mortality rates at every age and would not die from any other cause of death (e.g. injuries or HIV/AIDS).

Goal: By 2030 reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third in all countries.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is gradually decreasing. In 2010 the rate was 22.20%, in 2015 it was 21.70%, and in 2016 it was 21.60%.

3.4.2 Definition: Indicator 3.4.2 is suicide mortality rate.

Suicide mortality rate is the number of deaths from suicide measured per 100,000 individuals in a given population.

Goal: By 2030 promote mental health and wellbeing. There is no defined target level of suicide reduction for this indicator.

Bangladesh: Suicide mortality rate is low is and is further gradually decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2010 the number of deaths from suicide was 6.40 per 100,000 population, in 2015 it was 6.10 per 100,000 population, and in 2016 it was 5.90 per 100,000 population.

3.5.1 Definition: Indicator 3.5.1 is the coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders.

This is the share of people with substance use disorders who receive treatment in the form of pharmacological, psychosocial, rehabilitation or aftercare services.

Goal: By 2030 strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse across all countries. However, there is no defined target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

3.5.2 Definition: Indicator 3.5.2 is the Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in litres of pure alcohol.

Goal: By 2030 strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse across all countries. However, there is no defined target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: Consumption of alcohol is measured in litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 or older. In Bangladesh such consumption is low. In 2016 the projected estimation was 0 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 or older.

3.6.1 Definition: Indicator 3.6.1 is the death rate due to road traffic injuries.

Mortality from road traffic injuries is measured here in absolute (total number of deaths) and rates (deaths per 100,000 population). Road traffic deaths include vehicle drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Goal: By 2020 halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

While most SDG targets are set for 2030, this is set to be achieved for 2020. This is measured relative to 2010 levels as it was defined as part of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020).

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the number of deaths from road traffic incidents is gradually decreasing. In 2015 the number of deaths from road traffic incidents was 12,185 per 100,000 population, in 2016 it was 11,825 per 100,000 population, and in 2017 it was 11,798 per 100,000 population.

The annual number of deaths from road accidents in 2015 was 8.82 per 100,000 population, in 2016 it was 8.40 per 100,000 population, and in 2017 it was 8.21 per 100,000 population.

3.7.1 Definition: Indicator 3.7.1 is the percentage of married women ages 15-49 years whose need for family planning is satisfied with modern methods of contraception.

Goal: By 2030 ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the percentage of married women ages 15-49 years whose need for family planning is satisfied with modern methods of contraception is gradually increasing. In 2011 the ratio was 69.70%, in 2013 it was 78.30%, and in 2014 it was 72.60%.

3.7.2 Definition: Indicator 3.7.2 is the adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group.

Goal: By 2030 ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the adolescent birth rate of women aged 15-19 years old is gradually decreasing. The Adolescent birth rates per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years old in 2014 was 86.21 births, in 2015 it was 85.31 births, and in 2016 it was 84.41 births.

Data on birth rates for girls aged 10-14 years old is not available.

3.8.1 Definition: Indicator 3.8.1 is coverage of essential health services.

Coverage of essential health services is defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.

One available metric to track progress on this is the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index, based on death rates from 32 causes of death that could be avoided by timely and effective medical care (also known as ‘amenable mortality’). HAQ Index is measured on a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Goal: By 2030 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.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the coverage of essential health services is increasing gradually. According to the HAQ Index the coverage of health services in 2005 was 44.30, in 2010 it was 48.70, and in 2015 it was 51.70.

3.8.2 Definition: Indicator 3.8.2 is the proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the share of the population that spends more than 25% of total household expenditure or income on health is increasing. In 2005 the ratio was 4.27%, and in 2010 the ratio was 4.84%.

3.9.1 Definition: Indicator 3.9.1 is the mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

This is measured as the number of deaths attributed to indoor and outdoor air pollution per 100,000 individuals.

Goal: By 2030 substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from air pollution. There is, however, not a defined quantitative target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: The death rates from air pollution is gradually decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2015 the number of deaths from air pollution was 116.89 per 100,000 individuals (8.56 from outdoor ozone pollution, 43.27 from outdoor particulate pollution, 65.06 from household pollution). In 2016 it was 112.89 per 100,000 individuals (8.50 from outdoor ozone pollution, 40.63 from outdoor particulate pollution, 63.76 from household pollution). And in 2017 it was 112.01 per 100,000 individuals (8.54 from outdoor ozone pollution, 41.49 from outdoor particulate pollution, 61.99 from household pollution).

3.9.2 Definition: Indicator 3.9.2 is the mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, sanitation, and lack of hygiene.

Mortality rate from water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors is measured as the number of attributed deaths per 100,000 people.

Goal: By 2030 substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from water pollution and contamination. There is, however, not a defined quantified target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: Mortality rate attributable to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is gradually decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2005 the number of deaths was 74.42 per 100,000 population, in 2010 it was 52.62 per 100,000 population, and in 2016 it was 35.96 per 100,000 population.

3.9.3 Definition: Indicator 3.9.3 is the mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning.

This measures the number of deaths per 100,000 people attributed to unintentional exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances.

Goal: By 2030 substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and soil pollution. There is, however, not a defined quantified target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: The death rate from unintentional poisoning is low and is further decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2015 the number of deaths was 0.39 per 100,000 individuals, in 2016 it was 0.37 per 100,000 individuals, and in 2017 it was 0.36 per 100,000 individuals.

3.A.1 Definition: Indicator 3.A.1 is the age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older.

This measures the share of adults (aged 15+) who smoke tobacco daily.

Goal: By 2030 strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries. There is no specified target level of tobacco use for this indicator.

Bangladesh: Share of the population aged 15 years or older who smoke tobacco daily is decreasing in Bangladesh. In 2000 the ratio was 30.90%, in 2015 the ratio was 23.20%, and in 2016 the ratio was 22.80%.

3.B.1 Definition: Indicator 3.B.1 is the proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their national programme.

The UN does not currently define which vaccinations are measured by this indicator. The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) defines this indicator based on the mean coverage of the following eight vaccines:

three-dose diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT3); three-dose polio; first-dose measles vaccine; and for countries where the vaccine(s) are included in the national schedule: BCG vaccine, three-dose pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV3), three-dose Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib3), three-dose hepatitis B vaccine (delivered as part of pentavalent vaccines), and two-dose or three-dose rotavirus vaccine.

Goal: By 2030 provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

For this indicator, this means universal coverage of the vaccines noted above (if included in national vaccination programmes) must be achieved by 2030.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the share of children who receive key vaccines is high and is further increasing. In 2005 the ratio was 90.18%, in 2010 the ratio was 92.51%, and in 2016 the ratio was 94.27%.

3.B.2 Definition: Indicator 3.B.2 is the total net official development assistance (ODA) to medical research and basic health sectors.

Goal: By 2030 support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, providing access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

Bangladesh: Gross official development assistance (ODA) for medical research and basic health sectors is measured in constant 2015 US$. In 2015 the ODA was $222.42 billion.

3.B.3 Definition: Indicator 3.B.3 is the proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis.

The WHO Taskforce on Innovative International Financing for Health Systems provide a list of medicines considered essential in its Working Group Report.

Goal: By 2030 provide affordable access to essential medicines for all.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

3.C.1 Definition: Indicator 3.C.1 is Health worker density and distribution.

Health worker density is the size of the health workforce per 1,000 people. It is measured here based on the density of physicians, surgeons, nurses and midwives, dentistry and pharmaceutical personnel.

Goal: By 2030 substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.

Bangladesh: The number of medical doctors which includes generalist physicians and specialist medical practitioners is gradually increasing in Bangladesh. In 2012 the number of medical doctors was 0.39 per 1,000 people, in 2014 it was 0.47 per 1,000 people, and in 2015 it was 0.47 per 1,000 people.

The number of nurses and midwives is also gradually increasing in the country. In 2012 the number of nurses and midwives was 0.21 per 1,000 people, in 2014 it was 0.25 per 1,000 people, and in 2015 it was 0.27 per 1,000 people.

The number of specialist surgical workforce which includes specialist surgical, anaesthetic, and obstetric (SAO) providers is also gradually increasing in the country. In 2013 the number was 2.93 per 100,000 population, and in 2014 the ratio was 3.02 per 100,000 population.

The number of dentistry personnel which includes dentists, dental technicians, dental assistants and related occupation personnel is also gradually increasing in the country. In 2013 the number was 3.83 per 1,000 population, in 2014 it was 3.99 per 1,000 population, and in 2015 it was 4.04 per 1,000 population.

The number of pharmaceutical personnel is also gradually increasing in the country. In 2014 the number was 7.65 per 1,000 people, in 2015 it was 7.57 per 1,000 people, and in 2017 it was 15.60 per 1,000 people.

3.D.1 Definition: Indicator 3.D.1 is the International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness.

The IHR Core capacity index is measured as the percentage of attributes of 13 core capacities that have been attained at a specific point in time. The 13 core capacities are: (1) National legislation, policy and financing; (2) Coordination and National Focal Point communications; (3) Surveillance; (4) Response; (5) Preparedness; (6) Risk communication; (7) Human resources; (8) Laboratory; (9) Points of entry; (10) Zoonotic events; (11) Food safety; (12) Chemical events; (13) Radionuclear emergencies.

Goal: By 2030 strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.

Bangladesh: According to International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacity index 2018, Bangladesh has attained 80% in IHR Coordination and National IHR Focal Point Functions, 80% in zoonotic events and the human-animal interface, 60% in health service provision, 60% in risk communication, 60% in points of entry, 60% in legislation and financing, 47% in national health emergency framework, 40% in chemical events, 40% in human resources, 40% in food safety, and 40% in radiation emergencies.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: WHY IT MATTERS

The aim of SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is important to building prosperous societies. Healthy people are the foundation for healthy economies.^[5]

HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT ACHIEVING GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

An electoral mandate of the Government is to ensure health and nutrition for all.^[6] The Government is working steadily and continuously for the achievement of SDG 3. The Government has taken many initiatives to improve the health and well-being of the people as evident from the data above.

Many community clinics have been established across the country to ensure access to health care. Free health care and free medicines are provided at the community clinics. The Government also encourages all doctors and nurses to treat patients properly and with due care.^[7]

Major progress has been made in several areas, including in child and maternal health as well as in addressing HIV/AIDS.^[8]

Maternal and child mortality rates have been reduced. Life expectancy in the country has also increased from 66 to 72.^[9]

The Government has also ensured vaccines to children, including the Rohingya refugee children. Vaccines prevent infections and slow the spread of antibiotic resistance. The effort has been recognised internationally and the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was given the award of Vaccine Hero by the UN.^[10]

The Government has also taken initiatives to achieve health coverage. Free treatment is being provided to the elderly aged 65 and children below 1 year old.^[11]

The Government is also addressing non-communicable diseases. New hospitals have been established for treating non-communicable diseases.^[12]

Initiatives are also being taken to tackle antimicrobial resistance and environmental factors contributing to ill health. Antimicrobial resistance can lead to the failure of our most important medicines. Antimicrobial resistance can be controlled by using antimicrobials responsibly.^[13]

Considerations are also being given to include mental health care in the healthcare system.^[14]

Strong initiatives have also been taken to strengthen the prevention of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.^[15]

A newly enacted Road Transport Act 2018 is also in effect to minimise deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.^[16]

New hospitals and health care services have been established across the country. New doctors and nurses have also been appointed. New medical colleges and universities have also opened across the country.^[17]

Medicines amounting to 98% of the demands of the country are being produced locally. Bangladeshi medicines are also being exported to 145 countries.^[18]

A national health line number 16263 has also been introduced and much more.^[19]

The Government is also working towards protecting the environment^[20] and a healthy environment is necessary for the good health and well-being of people.^[21]

Health and well-being of the people have improved in the country and the Government is working towards improving it further.^[22]

In respect of Covid-19, to keep the curve low during the ongoing pandemic, the Government is taking all necessary measures accordingly. The Government has closed all educational institutions, offices, shops, markets, courts, places of worship, etc. Public gatherings and public events are also prohibited. Public transports, airways are closed. Movement is restricted, people are only allowed to go outside for necessity. The Government has been raising awareness about Coronavirus, its effects, precautions, and the current state in the country. The Government is continuously raising awareness of the importance of social distancing and further to make this effective has engaged law enforcement authorities, armed forces, etc. Masks, sanitisers, soaps, food, etc. are also being distributed across the country.^[23]

The Government is doing everything to keep everyone safe. For all those at the front line during this difficult time, which includes the doctors, nurses, health workers, field administration officers, law enforcers, armed forces, BGB members and other Government employees – the Government has announced insurance coverage of BDT 5 lac to BDT 10 lac for them according to the hierarchy. And in case of death this amount will be increased 5 times. For health and life insurance coverage BDT 750 crore has been allocated. The Government has also announced a special monetary reward for the doctors, nurses, and health workers at public hospitals. For this purpose BDT 100 crore has been allocated, etc.^[24]

Emergency helpline numbers are also available to help people during this time. The national health line numbers are 16263 and 333. Tests are being conducted across the country. Free treatments are being provided. People are being encouraged to contact the doctors in case of symptoms. Doctors are encouraged to treat all the patients. Doctors and medical caregivers protection is also being prioritised. People are also being encouraged to be compassionate towards anyone affected. Precaution over fear is being promoted by the Government.^[25]

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

Individuals can also help to achieve SDG 3. We can start by promoting and protecting our own health and the health of those around us, by making well-informed choices.^[26]

In respect of Covid-19, we all have an important role to play. We should stay home and maintain social distancing as this will help save lives. We should also wash our hands regularly for 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cover when sneezing or coughing, maintain hygiene, eat immune boosting food, pray at home, keep the house clean, sanitize door knobs, phone, remote control, switch, etc. Wear face masks outside, wash the hands after coming home, wash clothes worn outside, wash the hands after receiving parcels, etc. Incase of any health related concern seek help. The national health line numbers are 16263 and 333. And follow all other guidelines issued by the Government. During this difficult time we need to be considerate and help each other get through this.^[27]

EXAMPLES OF KEY BUSINESS ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Businesses can also make choices and changes that will improve health and well-being of people. Businesses can for example:^[28]

Align human resources policies with principles of human rights, including policies for HIV/AIDS. Use already existing resources for guidance (e.g. from the ILO, WHO, etc.).
Partner with health care NGOs and public clinics to raise awareness and increase access to targeted health services for women and men workers and their families.
Make investments in health a priority in business operations.
Facilitate and invest in affordable medicine and health care for low-income populations.
Leverage corporate resources (e.g. R&D, distribution, cold chains) to support health care delivery by public and international organizations, etc.

^[1] UN – SDG 3 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg3> accessed 19 December 2019

^[2] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/good-health> accessed 14 April 2020

^[3] Ibid.

^[4] World Health Organization – Neglected tropical diseases <https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/en/> accessed 14 April 2020

^[5] UN – SDG 3 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/> accessed 20 December 2019

^[6] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 10 December 2019

^[7] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[8] Ibid.

^[9] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 10 December 2019

^[10] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[11] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 10 December 2019

^[12] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[13] Ibid.

^[14] Ibid.

^[15] Ibid.

^[16] Ibid.

^[17] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 10 December 2019

^[18] Ibid.

^[19] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[20] World Economic Forum ‘Here are 4 countries that give the natural world the same rights as humans’ <https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/videos/532922844063585> accessed 15 April 2020

^[21] UN Environment Programme <https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158485678320712&set=a.418240325711> accessed 11 April 2020

^[22] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[23] Ibid.

^[24] Ibid.

^[25] Ibid.

^[26] UN – SDG 3 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/> accessed 20 December 2019

^[27] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 15 April 2020

^[28] SDG Compass – SDG 3 <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-3/> accessed 21 December 2019

:The Writer is a Barrister-at-Law