In 2015, the United Nations set out to create sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be accomplished by 2030 through the Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda included an SDG that focuses on the health and well-being of children of all ages to prevent unavoidable deaths in children under the age of five years old. A recent article published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care reviewed one of the SDGs which most directly addresses the health of children.
The primary target of this SDG focused on ending preventable deaths in newborns and children under the age of five. The goal is to reduce neonatal mortality to no more than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births and under age5 mortalities to at least as low as 25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
By focusing on mortality, health care providers and researchers can address morbidity for children around the world due to disease, food insecurity and malnutrition. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), are uniquely positioned to understand and support front line programs that aim to promote the health and well-being of all children and take measurable action to support them.
PNPs and other pediatric health care providers can impact the success of the SDG at several levels, such as volunteering locally or internationally, becoming involved in their professional organizations, and advocating to decision-makers and the media. Through such actions, providers can use their experience and expertise to influence policies and programs as decisions are made to improve the health and well-being of children.
Health care providers need to “know the impact that one PNP can have to help communities improve the health of children. Becoming aware of the need and looking for opportunities in your own neighborhood can make a difference,” shared article author Cathy Woodward, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC, FNP-BC.
The article “Helping the World Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of PNPs and Pediatric-Focused Providers” was published in the November/December edition of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care and can be accessed here.
Nov. 15, 2023
