HEALTH

The 2030 Agenda establishes health as an inalienable right of every human being, regardless of their particular circumstances or the context in which they live. It defines, through SDG 3, a work plan based on nine specific targets and four means of implementation.

Specifically, AECID asserts that health is a fundamental human right and an essential condition without which development is not possible. We focus our efforts on saving lives and strengthening public health systems. To that end, we work to achieve universal health coverage by supporting the strengthening of national health systems and services in the countries with which we collaborate. All of this is aimed at enabling our partner countries to provide quality and equitable services at all levels of healthcare, both in primary and specialized care, through technical cooperation programs such as the Specialized Medical Training Program.

In this context, the response to COVID-19 tested the resilience of health systems and their human resources, as well as access to personal protective equipment, medicines, and vaccines. Coordination for the prevention, preparedness, and global response to health emergencies and ongoing public health crises (such as endemic HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, or neglected tropical diseases) is part of the renewed architecture of global health. Spanish Cooperation contributes by supporting the World Health Organization and other relevant multilateral actors, including the fields of science and R&D, with innovative solutions based on global public goods.

In terms of humanitarian action, we operate the START (Spanish Technical Aid Response Team), a field hospital that we deploy in humanitarian contexts at the request of affected countries. We also work to ensure that the sexual and reproductive health needs of affected populations are met. Furthermore, we prevent and respond to gender-based violence in humanitarian settings through healthcare and psychosocial support.