Indigenous and Rural Health Program: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Overview

The Indigenous and Rural Health Program supports both tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities by promoting indigenous knowledge, practices, and approaches to health and wellness. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on good health and well-being (SDG 3), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and quality education (SDG 4).

Commitment to Revitalizing Indigenous Public Health

The program is dedicated to revitalizing American Indian and Alaska Native public health through culturally relevant and innovative practices in research, teaching, and service. Its objectives emphasize the integration of indigenous perspectives to foster sustainable health outcomes.

Key Objectives Aligned with SDGs

1. Honoring Indigenous Knowledge
   • Develop deeper understandings of indigenous health by respecting indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
   • Supports SDG 3 by promoting health and well-being through culturally appropriate methods.
2. Building Respectful Relationships
   • Foster intercultural, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary relationships that enhance public health and medical humanities.
   • Contributes to SDG 10 by reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive health innovations.
3. Generating Culturally Grounded Knowledge and Tools
   • Create curriculum, models, and practices that tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities can use in health promotion and preventive medicine.
   • Supports SDG 4 by advancing quality education tailored to indigenous contexts.

Conclusion

The Indigenous and Rural Health Program exemplifies a sustainable approach to health that integrates indigenous wisdom with modern public health strategies. By aligning its goals with the Sustainable Development Goals, the program contributes to building healthier, more equitable, and culturally respectful communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article focuses on health and wellness in Indigenous and rural communities, emphasizing culturally relevant health practices and public health promotion.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – The initiative involves teaching, research, and the development of culturally grounded curriculum and knowledge.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By supporting tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the program addresses health disparities and promotes equity.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions building intercultural, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary relationships, which align with fostering partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 4 Targets:
   • 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable lifestyles and cultural understanding.
3. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of ethnicity or indigenous status.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3:
   • 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
   • 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.
2. For SDG 4:
   • 4.7.1: Extent to which education for sustainable development is mainstreamed at all levels.
3. For SDG 10:
   • 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by ethnicity.
4. For SDG 17:
   • 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: unmc.edu