The Sustainable Development Goals. Photo: John Cameron/Unsplash
This is a summary of an article published on SciDev.Net on Southeast Asia’s struggle to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, written by Sanjeet Bagcchi at their Asia & Pacific desk.
The article reports that none of the ten ASEAN member countries are on track to meet key health-related SDG targets by the 2030 deadline. Drawing on findings published in PLOS Medicine, the piece highlights that while some countries may eliminate malaria, none are expected to fully eradicate infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or neglected tropical diseases.
Singapore is the only ASEAN country projected to meet targets for non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as for road injury reduction. In contrast, countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos are facing major setbacks. The Philippines, in particular, has seen worsening performance in tackling TB, HIV, and hepatitis B.
The article points to deep-rooted challenges including rural poverty, weak health systems, and high smoking and alcohol use as key reasons for slow progress. Between 1990 and 2021, harmful alcohol consumption rose by 40–90% in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, exacerbating chronic disease rates. Fragmented healthcare systems, especially in the Philippines, further hamper progress.
Despite these issues, the study notes some positive developments, such as improved child nutrition and reduced stunting among children under five. According to Paul Pronyk, a co-author of the study published in PLOS medicine, lagging countries can still close critical gaps before 2030 with target investments in primary care, health literacy, and cross-sectoral policy coordination.
Paul Pronyk further emphasizes that the problem is not lack of ambition but systemic inequities. Rather than extending the SDG timeline, he advocates for accelerated, equity-focused action to maintain political accountability and prevent further preventable illness. The article concludes by urging regional cooperation and targeted investment to help lagging nations close critical health gaps before the 2030 deadline.
