In 2015, the United Nations set 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make the world fairer and more equal for all. Among the goals, SDG 3 provides for “Ensuring access to quality health care and promoting well-being for all ages”, thus guaranteeing sustainable development. It covers the main topics in the field, including reproductive health, infectious diseases, mental health, universal health coverage and environmental health.

It is worth highlighting the reduction of the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100 thousand live births; the elimination of preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age; the achievement of universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines, and increased funding for the sector and the recruitment, development and training of health personnel, especially in developing countries.

It is worth remembering that ABIMED is a signatory to the UN Global Compact because “it believes it has a relevant role to play in issues that have a high impact on people’s lives”, as defined by president Fernando Silveira at the event organized by the entity at the end of 2022, where one of the speakers was Flávia Vianna, manager of the Health Platform of the UN Global Compact (United Nations). She manages initiatives related to SDG 3 and the Mind in Focus Movement, which focuses on mental health. The Pact is today the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 15 thousand companies spread across 164 countries. “Brazil has the third largest network,” said Flávia.

Technology solutions have an important role to play if the country is to meet its SDG 3 targets. Among the low-income population, for example, technology is a strong ally, allowing healthcare providers to reach patients through geolocation algorithms and delivery services. By reducing the distance, health products and services can more easily reach those who really need them.

Self-care is another practice that can be aided by technology solutions. Providing quality information can raise people’s awareness. The care of patients with chronic or special illnesses can also be facilitated by technology, unburdening the system and preventing health deterioration. Telemedicine, which was widely used during the pandemic, has already shown that it is here to stay and has helped democratize access to services.

And it’s not just supplementary healthcare. In the Unified Health System (SUS), the creation of the Electronic Patient Record (PEP) allows data to be obtained and analyzed in a more agile and secure manner. Care becomes more humanized, as scheduling appointments and exams online reduces waiting times and helps organize patient flow.

When we look ahead to meet SDG 3, the road ahead for Brazil is still long and permeated with challenges, but the technological innovations made available by the market are certainly an essential part of the solution. “What motivates us every day is to change Brazil, even with all the challenges we have,” as Flávia said, “without leaving anyone behind.”