Short answer
Focus design efforts on interventions that can accelerate progress towards specific SDG health targets, paying close attention to vulnerable populations and regional disparities.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- The Lancet (2018)
- Method
- Systematic analysis and forecasting
- Sample
- 195 countries and territories
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Despite significant progress in global health indicators since 1990, many countries are projected to miss the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, indicating a need for accelerated and targeted interventions. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in The Lancet. Using Systematic analysis and forecasting with 195 countries and territories, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Focus design efforts on interventions that can accelerate progress towards specific SDG health targets, paying close attention to vulnerable populations and regional disparities.
Global Health Progress Lags Behind Sustainable Development Goals Targets
Despite significant progress in global health indicators since 1990, many countries are projected to miss the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, indicating a need for accelerated and targeted interventions.
The Lancet · 2018
Key Findings
- 01Significant progress has been made on many health-related SDG indicators since 1990.
- 02However, many countries are not on track to meet the SDG health targets by 2030.
- 03Disparities in health outcomes exist within countries, particularly between different socio-demographic groups.
- 04The health-related SDG index shows varying levels of progress across different regions.
Application
Design takeaway
Focus design efforts on interventions that can accelerate progress towards specific SDG health targets, paying close attention to vulnerable populations and regional disparities.
How to apply
When designing health-related products or services, analyze the specific SDG targets relevant to the target market and assess how the design can contribute to achieving those targets, particularly for underserved populations.
Project actions
- 01When defining the scope of your design project, consider which SDG health targets are most relevant.
- 02Research the current health status and progress towards these targets in your chosen region or for your target user group.
- 03Justify how your design solution contributes to achieving specific SDG health goals.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive coverage of 195 countries and territories.
- +Inclusion of a wide range of health-related SDG indicators.
- +Use of a robust forecasting methodology to project future trends.
Limitations
The study's projections are based on past trends and may not account for unforeseen future events or policy changes. Data quality can vary significantly between countries.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by its systematic methodology and the use of extensive data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. Validity is enhanced by the comprehensive scope and the inclusion of multiple indicators and countries, though projections inherently carry uncertainty.
Think critically
Given the projected shortfalls in achieving SDG health targets, what are the most significant systemic barriers that design interventions alone cannot overcome, and how can designers collaborate with other sectors to address these?
Design Principles
"Design for equitable health outcomes by addressing the root causes of disparities and ensuring accessibility."
This research highlights the critical gap between current progress and ambitious global health targets. For designers and engineers, understanding these disparities is crucial for developing solutions that address specific regional needs and contribute to equitable health outcomes.
What This Means for Your Design
Even though the world is getting healthier, many countries won't reach the health goals set for 2030, and some people within countries are left behind.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the findings to establish the need for your design solution by highlighting specific SDG targets that are not being met.
- 2.Cite the study to support claims about global health disparities and the urgency of addressing them.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 highlights that despite progress, many nations are projected to fall short of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and equitable solutions. This research provides a critical baseline for understanding global health disparities and the challenges in achieving universal health targets, informing the development of design projects aimed at improving health outcomes.
Source
The Lancet
Measuring progress from 1990 to 2017 and projecting attainment to 2030 of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about global health progress lags behind sustainable development goals targets?
- Focus design efforts on interventions that can accelerate progress towards specific SDG health targets, paying close attention to vulnerable populations and regional disparities. Evidence: The Lancet (2018).
- Why does "Global Health Progress Lags Behind Sustainable Development Goals Targets" matter for design?
- This research highlights the critical gap between current progress and ambitious global health targets. For designers and engineers, understanding these disparities is crucial for developing solutions that address specific regional needs and contribute to equitable health outcomes.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Focus design efforts on interventions that can accelerate progress towards specific SDG health targets, paying close attention to vulnerable populations and regional disparities.
- What were the main findings?
- Significant progress has been made on many health-related SDG indicators since 1990.. However, many countries are not on track to meet the SDG health targets by 2030.. Disparities in health outcomes exist within countries, particularly between different socio-demographic groups.. The health-related SDG index shows varying levels of progress across different regions.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic analysis and forecasting with 195 countries and territories.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from The Lancet.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing health-related products or services, analyze the specific SDG targets relevant to the target market and assess how the design can contribute to achieving those targets, particularly for underserved populations.
- What are the limitations?
- Projections are subject to uncertainty and depend on future trends and policy implementations. Data availability and quality can vary across countries and indicators.