Global strategy

Where does the health of women, children and adolescents fit in the context of the SDGs, and how does it link to global strategy?

Of the 17 new SDGs there is just one on health (Goal 3). Most targets explicitly reference economic development and the environment, with these factors placed as pre-requisites to better health, rather than as better health leading to a country’s development.

The transition from MDGs to SDGs means that priorities and commitments are being redrawn, but many national leaders across the world have stated their dedication to the health of women, children and adolescents and will keep them at the heart of the SDG agenda. Adolescents in particular, relatively absent from the MDGs, have now been included in the United Nation’s Global Strategy for Women’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health in achieving Goal 3 of the SDGs.