Good Health and Well-Being in Asian Arab Countries: Some Critical Observations

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the status of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-Being, in Asian Arab countries and to explore some challenges through critical observations. Utilising the Meta-Analysis method and the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis framework, the UNDP’s ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboard Report 2022’, and relevant secondary sources were analysed. Calculations were based on the value, rate and trend of the targets of SDG3. Results showed that (i) the average SDG Index Score (0–100) for the Asian 12 Arab countries was 60.06; (ii) seven countries’ targets showed significant challenges remaining and four countries faced major challenges; (iii) 11 countries were experiencing modern improvements; (iv) nine countries had better achievements on nine targets and lower achievements on the remaining seven targets, with some exceptions; and (v) the challenges encountered were regional-level policy gaps, state-level health structural problems, socio-economic and demographic settings, and community/individual-level unawareness about health and well-being. The analysis would be useful to the governments of the Arab Asian countries, development practitioners, health experts and policymakers.