As described in my blog entry February 3rd, I will be referring, on a weekly basis, to each of the SDGs: facts, targets, and how could companies be engaged. This week is about SDG#3 -Good Health and Wellbeing
Facts:
Over 6.2 million malaria deaths were averted between 2000 and 2015 and although an estimated 2.1 million people were infected with HIV in 2013, this is down 38% from 2001.
Roughly 2 billion people cannot access the medicine they need and 6 million children die before reaching their fifth birthday.
Non-communicable diseases are the greatest cause of death globally, with an estimated 40 million deaths in 2015, representing 70% of the overall total. The majority of these deaths came from four non-communicable diseases (NCD): cardiovascular (45% of all NCD deaths), cancer (22%), chronic respiratory disease (10%) and diabetes (4%).
According to the WHO,global fatalities from traffic accidents(both occupants and pedestrians) were approximately 1.3 million in 2017 (nearly 3,600 per day) and cost most countries approximately 3% of GDP through the cost of treatment, loss productivity,etc. In addition,up to 50 million people incur non-fatal injuries each year as a result of road crashes.
Targets: There are 13 targets. Targets and the indicators to track progress can be found here https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/
Companies engagement: Out of the 13 targets, five seem to be actionable for the businesses in the context of their investment decisions:
SDG 3.3: "By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, waterborne diseases and other communicable diseases."
SDG 3.4: "By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and wellbeing."
SDG 3.6: "By 2020,halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents."
SDG 3.8: "Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all."
SDG 3.9: "By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals andair, water and soil pollution and contamination."
According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, there are five different sort of companies that, with the right investment decisions,could really make an impact on delivering the targets of SDG#3:
Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Medtech companies that have exposure through providing products and services to help treat infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Auto Suppliers that are improving auto safety through equipment (airbags,etc),advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and auto sensors.
Health Insurance Companies
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