Achieving Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals: Role of Health Systems Strengthening

Good health is essential to ensure well-being for individuals, society and nations. However, health is determined by a multitude of factors, and hence achieving the targets set for SDG3 would inevitably require equitable progress in other related SDGs. The health systems in many low-and middle-income countries (L&MICs) have been unable to cope with the needs of the population due to lack of health care workers, financial resources, supplies, monitoring and evaluation. Health systems research can help identify existing gaps and challenges and propose customised solutions based on country needs. A preferred approach to move forward would be an inclusive and multi-sectoral approach with the implementation modalities adapted to the local context. In order to assess the implementation and progress of health-related SDGs targets in L&MICs, a framework comprising of nine domains is proposed which represent political, technical and institutional conditions. A greater political commitment with a focus on reducing inequities and greater accountability would be of paramount importance for any real progress and materialization of SDG targets.