3.1 Reduce maternal mortality
By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
The poorer a person is, the lower their life expectancy. The weakest members of society enjoy poorer medical care and are more likely to live in unhealthy environments. But even prosperous individuals face health risks: addiction, road traffic accidents and environmental contamination are only a few examples.
We have seen many positive trends in recent years. We have managed to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality. But pregnancy and childbirth still pose a risk for many women around the world. In industrialised countries the number of cases of cardiovascular diseases is rising. The elderly and children are always more vulnerable, because they are less resistant to health risks. And epidemics like Ebola or HIV/AIDS are a threat to all age groups and sections of the population, even across continents.
What must be done?
Many deaths and cases of sickness around the world could have been avoided. The causes range from unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, hygiene and health care , to a lack of health education and vaccines, and contamination of the immediate environment in which people live. If we are to give all people access to medical care, more money will have to be invested – to employ doctors, psychologists and midwives, and in research. Health risks must also be minimised, including the risks posed by contaminated drinking water, tobacco consumption and unprotected sex. Legal regulations, controls and education can be extremely effective here.
Facts and figures