Regional Director, UNFPA, Mr Pio Smith; Regional Director, UNAIDS, Mr Eamonn Murphy; senior government officials; distinguished colleagues; esteemed partners; and, friends, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour to address you at this critical moment as we gather to reaffirm our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
With less than five years remaining until 2030, we must recognize our progress and the urgent challenges remaining that demand our collective action.
The Asia-Pacific region has made remarkable strides in improving health outcomes, particularly in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. For example, Afghanistan reduced maternal deaths by 20% between 2015-2020, or 155 less maternal deaths while the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has a reduction of 56% relating to 71 less maternal deaths. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of governments, health-care professionals, and communities.
However, progress has been inconsistent and has recently slowed. We are off track in meeting several targets and have witnessed regression, particularly in addressing harmful alcohol use and financial protection for health care. Without intensified intervention, these gaps will only widen.
We are increasingly faced with the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in the Pacific – a region I call home. The rise in NCDs threatens to reverse decades of progress in public health.
At the same time, we are witnessing challenges in tackling communicable diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria in certain countries. Expanded treatment options and innovative prevention measures have brought progress, yet inequities in health-care access, risky health behaviour, and workforce shortages persist, slowing the momentum.
We must recognize that achieving universal health coverage is at the heartbeat of SDG 3, pumping life into the goal of good health and well-being for all.
Yet, for too many – especially marginalized and vulnerable populations – access to health care remains a blocked artery, restricting the flow of the essential services they need to thrive.
We see worsening trends throughout the region in catastrophic health expenditure.
To overcome these challenges, we must strengthen primary health care, address social determinants of health, leverage health technologies, improve data systems, and step up regional action on health and the environment.
We cannot address health challenges in isolation. As in the case of social determinants of health, the link between health and climate change is increasingly evident, with environmental degradation contributing majorly to disease burdens. Regional cooperation is vital to tackling these interconnected issues. Countries must collaborate on health and environmental policies to create sustainable and resilient health systems.
We are meeting at a decisive moment in history. Years of progress have declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, which continue to disrupt health-care systems and supply chains.
Despite these challenges, one thing remains clear: our commitment must not waver. Achieving SDG 3 requires greater collaboration and bolder innovative actions.
This roundtable serves as a platform to unite diverse perspectives, foster partnerships, and chart a course for accelerated progress.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but we can achieve good health and well-being for all through strengthened solidarity and decisive leadership.
Let us remain committed, now more than ever. Thank you.