Discovering a Sustainable Future from Japan

Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 3: Good Health & Well-being

What is SDGs Goal 3?

SDGs Goal 3 is “Good Health & Well-being,” with its mission statement being “To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”

This goal has 13 targets and 28 indicators measuring how well the world is providing health care to the world. Targets include’

  • reducing global mortality rate,
  • preventing and providing treatment for drug abuse, and
  • ensuring universal access to healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

Of course, the coronavirus and other pandemics are on SDGs Goal 3’s radar too. In particular, bringing vaccines to and strengthening healthcare services and structure in developing countries.

Good Health & Well-being in Japan

Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, technologically advanced and highly subsidized. It has a very strong social security system that every citizen contributes to benefit citizens, regardless of age or status.

However, that does not mean the system is perfect. Mental health is arguably the weakest link in the well-being of the Japanese, which becomes more challenging when the relatively conservative society places a stigma on mental issues it doesn’t understand. That shunning often creates a vicious cycle of negative influences on society. Education and awareness are lacking, and so are commitment and financial support. This will be one of the potholes to fill as Japan rides the road towards 2030.

SDGs Goal 3 in Japan

Japan to spread awareness of mental health problems and services

As we have mentioned earlier, Japan still has some catching up to do when it comes to mental health. The good news is that many organizations have already begun addressing the problems and gaps that are uniquely Japan.

Japan to spread awareness of mental health problems and services

Understanding what’s behind Japan’s loneliness and social isolation

There is a growing culture in Japan called “ohitorisama,” which simply means the desire to do things alone. This hints at a caution: do we know the difference between solitude and loneliness? In this article, we look at why loneliness is hard to define in Japan and the rising concerns of the negative impact of loneliness.

Understanding what’s behind Japan’s loneliness and social isolation

College students dealing with loneliness amidst COVID-19

2020 and 2021 were devastating for many, as COVID-19 ravaged the world. Many long-term impacts changed Japan, not least of which is the worsening of mental health. Students are one of the many unique communities challenged by loneliness and hardship.

College students dealing with loneliness amidst COVID-19

Japan exploring new ways for long-distance elder care during coronavirus

Speaking of the coronavirus pandemic, the elderly in Japan are also getting attention. With socially distancing becoming a norm and vaccinations being uncertain, this vulnerable group needed a long-distance care solution.

Awareness of period poverty grows as Japan seeks solutions

One of the negative impacts of Japan’s gender inequality is period poverty. It wasn’t until recently, when an awareness movement began in Japan, that there was a realization for accessibility for related products. Use this as an entry into understanding Women’s Wellness in Japan.

Awareness of period poverty grows as Japan seeks solutions

Japan explores how to prevent disaster-related deaths

Often, there are blind spots in systems, the “we don’t know what we don’t know.” Preventable disaster-related deaths was one of these regrettable blind spots we learned in the tragic Great East Japan Earthquake. Learn more about this issue and what steps are taken to tackle this.

Japan explores how to prevent disaster-related deaths

Related links

[Reference] United Nations SDGs Page Goal 3
[Related Reading] Women Wellness in Japan

Explore 17 SDGs