In this lesson, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being, including its key targets and their significance. Students will begin by examining the historical impact of pandemics and diseases, connecting these events to the development of modern healthcare systems and societal changes. Students will then evaluate the 13 targets set by the UN related to SDG #3 and document key global health challenges while reflecting on how these challenges manifest in their own communities. By examining the structure and accessibility of the U.S. healthcare system, students will learn about health insurance coverage, disparities based on socioeconomic factors, and financial hardships. This analysis extends to the broader issue of health disparities, as students will explore social and economic inequalities and how these create inequities in healthcare systems both in the U.S. and globally. Additionally, they will explore the impacts of malnutrition, obesity, and food insecurity by analyzing trends across countries and discussing the consequences for community health. They will study the harmful effects of medical misinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while considering how educational and social factors shape perceptions and responses to health information. The lesson concludes with an exploration of global health frameworks and a forward-looking approach to emerging innovations in disease care and online healthcare models. Students will apply their learning by completing a summative assessment designed to integrate their insights on health challenges, disparities, and solutions while fostering critical thinking and collaboration. These takeaways will equip students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and collaborative mindset needed to contribute to environmental sustainability and restoration efforts.

Attribution and License

Attribution

This Open Educational Resource, Cultivating Global Competence through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, was developed by Ryan Hauck, Julianna Patterson, Lydia Tu, and Global Classroom, World Affairs Council – Seattle. 

Graphics:

• Cover image by Julianna Patterson from Canva.
• Sustainable Development Goals images copyright United Nations. All rights reserved. Used pursuant to fair use.

License

Except where otherwise noted, Cultivating Global Competence through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by World Affairs Council of Seattle, is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License. All logos and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Sections used under fair use doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) are marked.

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