The EU’s role in promoting health and well-being for all
Good health and well-being is a key indicator and a precondition for sustainable development, allowing people to enjoy fulfilling lives, receive education and be productive members of society. In contrast, the burden of disease has high economic, social and individual costs. Therefore, achieving the highest attainable level of health is of interest for all. However, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3 (‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’) is off track globally, and many of its targets may not be achieved by 2030. Moreover, progress varies significantly across regions, with some of them lagging behind. The European Union (EU) is committed to implementing the SDGs, including SDG 3, both internally and globally. Within the EU, measures pertaining to SDG 3 focus on achieving more resilient, accessible and inclusive health systems; improving reproductive, maternal and child health; ending major communicable disease epidemics; and reducing non-communicable and mental disorders. They also focus on lowering behavioural and environmental health risk factors. Globally, in line with its 2022 global health strategy, the EU contributes to the attainment of SDG 3 objectives through action at global, regional and bilateral level. A vocal supporter of and major financial contributor to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the EU cooperates with the WHO to deliver universal health coverage worldwide, improve health outcomes in emergencies and enhance global health security, to give some examples. The EU also supports its African and other partners with the projects enabled through the EU’s Global Gateway and through its Team Europe approach, where feasible. The European Parliament is a committed supporter of stronger EU action on health, both internally and outside the EU. It has called regularly for a comprehensive and integrated approach to achieve a high level of health and well-being.
