Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 1 & Goal 3
Updated: Nov 4, 2018
Image credit: Overseas Development Institute
One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.
Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Goal 1 aims to end poverty, and Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
There is a direct link between ill health and poverty; those who are unwell may be unable to work due to their condition or illness. Not being able to work can, in some instances, lead to poverty due to losing a source of income. There is also a direct link between poor mental health and poverty. According to an ACOSS report from 2011, “over one third of people living with a mental health illness [in Australia] survive on less than $20,000 a year.”
Target 1.3 aims to implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable. This is also supported by Target 1.5, which aims to build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations by 2030. In relation to health, our Medicare system is vital to ensure we continue working towards the achievement of these targets of Goal 1.
When it comes to Target 3.5, which promotes the strengthening of the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol, there is much work to be done in relation to poverty. Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between substance abuse and poverty; however, it is unclear whether there is any evidence of causation and, if so, which one causes the other in certain instances: does substance abuse lead to poverty, or does poverty lead to substance abuse, or are there different examples of both occurring?
There is still a lot of research which can be done into the interrelation between poverty and health in Australia. This research will guide future direction for the achievement of the Global Goals.
To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal1: #NoPoverty and #Goal3: #GoodHealth and #WellBeing.
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.