The Republic of Mauritius Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2024 addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, aiming to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. Mauritius’ health efforts can be inferred from its welfare state framework and broader resilience strategies.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being in the Mauritius Voluntary National Review 2024
Key Achievements
1. Healthcare Access and Welfare:
- Mauritius operates as a welfare state with universal healthcare, providing free or subsidized medical services to all citizens.
- Significant investments in health infrastructure and services support post-COVID-19 recovery, ensuring the well-being of the population.
2. Social Protection for Vulnerable Groups:
- Health-related support includes universal pensions for the elderly and disabled, alongside provisions like free optical glasses for youth up to age 21 under targeted social programs.
- Disaster relief, such as financial aid and food packs following cyclones and floods, bolsters community health resilience.
3. Economic Stability and Health:
- Strong economic growth and reduced unemployment create a stable environment that supports health service delivery and reduces poverty-related health risks.
- High government spending on social security and welfare, including health allocations, reinforces well-being across society.
Challenges
- Ageing Population: Rising longevity and declining fertility rates increase demand for elderly-focused healthcare, potentially straining resources.
- Climate-Related Health Risks: Frequent extreme weather events like cyclones and floods threaten public health through infrastructure damage and disease risks.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
- Health System Strengthening: Continued investment in healthcare can address ageing population needs with tailored services and facilities.
- Climate Adaptation: Environmental mitigation efforts, like drainage plans and nature-based solutions, indirectly enhance health by reducing disaster impacts.
- Improved Monitoring: Advances in data collection could refine health policies and tracking of well-being goals.
Conclusion
Mauritius advances SDG 3 through universal healthcare, robust social protection, and economic stability, despite challenges from an ageing population and climate vulnerabilities. Mauritius' inclusive and resilient approach lays a strong foundation for promoting health and well-being.
