Obstacles to Achieving SDG3 in Sub-Saharan Countries: Perspectives from Zimbabwe

Mayavo, Crossman

doi:10.30473/ee.2024.70919.2723

Obstacles to Achieving SDG3 in Sub-Saharan Countries: Perspectives from Zimbabwe

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Crossman Mayavo

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Economics: University of Johannesburg.

10.30473/ee.2024.70919.2723

Abstract

The paper’s purpose was to investigate the obstacles the Zimbabwean government faces as it works towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3, which speaks of health and well-being for all. Various obstacles were observed, such as political and economic issues, personnel leaving for greener pastures, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of monitoring and evaluation systems that allow tracking of the goals. The author used a qualitative method and adopted a document review for data collection. Three major documents were used: The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s national policy (2021-2025), the World Health Organization 2023 report, and UNDP’s 2020 Zimbabwe’s SDG Progress report. The researcher scanned through the documents and highlighted areas where they discussed the SDG 3 challenges faced. The results confirmed that Zimbabwe is facing numerous challenges, including a fragmented procurement system and political and economic issues. The study's practical implications are that this document may remind policymakers that the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, cannot be ignored, but effort is needed to ensure that all obstacles impeding the attainment of SDG 3 are addressed. Policymakers should provide a conducive environment that allows the ministries concerned to work towards the attainment of SDG 3. Healthy people are productive, and the focus will be on improving everyone's life, hence the need for SDG 3 to be fulfilled so no one is left behind. Significant progress is made when people are protected from illness, premature death is avoided, and the overall health of the population is improved. Issues such as inequalities and poverty are eradicated, and people enjoy prosperity and justice. The study is original and seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding SDG 3, the challenges Zimbabwe is facing, and how they can be addressed to protect its citizens from diseases, improve prosperity, and enhance socio-economic factors.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Environmental Education and Sustainable Development and Crisis Management

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