Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
SDG 9 focuses on the creation of resilient infrastructures, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and promotes innovation in this sector. All SGDs have a link to public health elements that can be realized at individual, local, national, and global levels.
These are some of the pathways for how SDG 9 will contribute to achieve better health for all by 2030, linked with the WHO Essential Public Health Operations (EPHOs):
Promoting small-scale business and industries: that contribute to economic and social development locally, elevate communities from poverty levels and allow individuals to have a better grasp of their individual and collective health needs (EPHO 3, 6).
Expand the use of internet globally: especially through availing accessible technology and promoting health contents that are evidence-based, with locally adapted information on promotion of healthy lifestyles, prevalent disease prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment; with a focus on salutogenesis, self-engagement and care (EPHO 1, 2, 3).
Investing in resilient infrastructure for key society sectors that contribute to health: strengthening health facilities to respond to routine care and during emergencies. Other essential fields include, education, transport (safety), drinking water, sanitation, and electricity. Services should be responsive during disaster management (EPHO 2, 6, 7).
Inclusive, sustainable industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure can unleash economic forces that generate employment and income. By ensuring that these gains are directed and enjoyed equally and in fairness, we can decrease the gender gap in employment. Equal opportunities and gains will empower men and women to contribute to the Universal Health Coverage efforts, fair taxation systems, and social security schemes responsive to health and health care along the life course (EPHO 3, 4, 5, 7).