This article emphasizes the crucial role of investing in maternal and child health for sustainable development. It discusses how the well-being of mothers and children is foundational for societal progress, economic growth, and achieving the United Nation’s (UN) sustainable development goals. The essay outlines the benefits of such investments, including reduced mortality rates, economic returns, and improved social equity. It also highlights various ways to invest in maternal and child health, such as expanding healthcare access, nutrition and education programs, and social safety nets. The essay also provides examples and research studies showing how such investments can reduce poverty, inequality, and promote economic growth and social cohesion. In conclusion, it emphasizes that investing in maternal and child health is not an expense but an investment in a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable societal future.

Maternal, Child health, Sustainable development, Education, Economic growth, Gender equality, Social cohesion.

The contributions of mothers and children are significant in building a nation. Mothers are the primary caregivers for their children, and they are responsible for instilling values, ethics, and morals in them. Children are the future of a nation. The nurturing and education provided by mothers and the potential of children to contribute to society are fundamental building blocks for the progress and development of a nation. So, it is very important to invest in children and to provide them with the best possible education and opportunities so that they can grow up to be productive and responsible citizens. By working together, mothers and children can play a vital role in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Sustainable development:
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.[1] The World Health Organization (WHO) has given 17 goals for sustainable development, out of which the 3^rd goal ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages. It has 13 targets measured through 26 indicators, which are related to maternal and child health. Women who remain healthy during pregnancy and after birth are more likely to stay healthy later in life and have better birth outcomes, influencing children’s health from infancy through to adulthood. The vital component for the sustainable development of any country is maternal and child health. Investing in the well-being of mothers and children is a moral imperative, an essential strategy, and crucial for achieving long-term sustainable development and a smart investment.[2]

Maternal and child health is an indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population and shows a direct impact on economic and social development because the health of mothers and children is closely linked to the health of communities and societies. This article elaborates on the multifaceted importance of investing in maternal and child health, emphasizing how it contributes to societal progress, economic growth, and explores the different ways of investing in maternal and child health and its benefits in sustainable development with examples.

Benefits of investing in maternal and child health:
There are many benefits of investing in both maternal and child health. For mothers, access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth can reduce the risk of death and complications. It can also help to ensure that mothers are healthy enough to care for their children and contribute to their families and communities. For children, access to quality healthcare can help prevent and treat diseases and ensure that they reach their full and stable potential.[3]

Investing in maternal and child health is also good for the economy of any nation. Many research studies have shown that every penny invested in maternal and child health generates a return of up to ten times in economic benefits. This shows that healthy mothers and children are productive and contribute more to the economy, and as a result, the nation moves towards development.[4]

Investing in maternal and child health:
Investing in maternal and child health is very easy for running nations on the path of sustainable development. Out of all the four best ways of investing in maternal and child health are given as follows:

• Expanding access to quality healthcare: The direct benefit of investing in maternal and child health is the reduction of mortality rates. High maternal and child mortality rates are tragic and impede a nation’s development. The third goal in the sustainable development goal of the UN specifically focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal includes targets to reduce maternal mortality, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services. This helps to improve the overall health of the population and contributes to increased life expectancy, which is a crucial indicator of human development.
• Investing in nutrition programs: Investing in such programs involves providing direct access to nutritious food and education on proper nutrition to mothers and children. Healthy mothers can give the best care to their children, and healthy children are more likely to reach their full potential. This enhances the productivity and potential of the workforce, leading to economic growth of the nation. Nutrition programs help to break the cycle of malnutrition, which ultimately breaks the cycle of poverty because well-nourished and educated children are more likely to break the cycle of poverty and contribute positively to their communities and nations.
• Investing in education programs: The basic need to invest in education programs is to give education about health, hygiene, and proper nutrition to mothers and children. An educated mother becomes an advocate for better health practices within their community, which creates a ripple effect of improved health. Education leads to positive behaviour changes, such as adopting healthier lifestyles, which have long-term benefits for maternal and child health. Education also enhances health literacy, enabling families to understand and follow medical advice and prevent diseases.
• Investing in social safety nets: By investing in social safety nets, mothers and children have access to necessary medical care and treatment, regardless of their financial situation, even in emergencies. As a result, this reduces the burden of healthcare costs on the mother and child and promotes overall well-being. Social safety nets contribute to social equity by ensuring that healthcare is not limited by one’s ability to pay.

Furthermore, investing in maternal and child health is vital for promoting social justice and reducing health disparities. In many developing countries, access to quality healthcare is limited, and marginalized communities, including women and children, are the ones bearing the brunt of this inequality. So, by investing in maternal and child health, we can address these disparities and ensure that everyone has equal access to healthcare services.[5]

Examples and various research studies:
Various research studies were done by international organizations like the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which explain that investing in maternal and child health contributes to the sustainable development of a nation, as mentioned in the following specific examples:

• Reduced poverty: A study by UNICEF found that every dollar invested in early childhood development can save up to $7 in future social costs. This is the reason for saying that Maternal and child health interventions can break the cycle of poverty. Because healthy mothers and a healthy child are more likely to get educated and increase productivity. Providing access to healthcare, nutritious food, and education to mothers and children can lift them out of poverty, and this helps break the cycle of poverty.
• Reduces inequality: A study by the international labour organization (ILO) found that investing in maternal and child health can lead to an increase in female labour force participation. Maternal and child health is closely linked to gender equality. Ensuring that all mothers and children have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or social status, can help in reducing maternal mortality and providing women with the resources they need to plan their families effectively.
• Improved economic growth: A study by the World Bank found that investing in early childhood development can lead to a 10% increase in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita over the long term.Because healthy mothers and healthy children are more likely to contribute to the workforce and participate in economic activities, leading to increased productivity and economic growth by working and paying taxes. As a result, this also helps to reduce healthcare costs, which can free up resources for other investments and help in making the nation strong and healthy.

• Increase social cohesion: A study by the WHO found that investing in maternal and child health can lead to a reduction in violence and crime. Healthy mothers and children are always active members of their communities and contribute to social cohesion, which is essential for building resilient and strong communities. Strong communities are better equipped to address a wide range of challenges, including those related to sustainability and development. Investing in maternal and child health strengthens the resilience of communities and reduces their vulnerability to health crises. This results in creating a more just and equitable society. The health and well-being of mothers and children are essential for national development. Healthy and educated mothers are more likely to have healthy and educated children, who are more likely to contribute to the economy and society. So, investing in maternal and child health is a smart investment for sustainable development, because it saves lives, improves health, reduces poverty and inequality, and creates a more just and equitable world.[6,7]

Finally, investing in maternal and child health is very crucial for building communities. Healthy mothers and children are better equipped to withstand and recover from disasters and emergencies. By investing in their health, we can strengthen the communities and reduce their vulnerability to health crises.

Investing in maternal and child health is not just an expenditure; it is an investment in the present and future of societies. It yields positive outcomes in terms of reduced mortality rates, enhanced human capital, greater gender equality, poverty reduction, improved healthcare systems, and stronger communities. Investing in maternal and child health is a necessary step towards achieving sustainable development. It has numerous benefits, including improving economic growth, promoting gender equality, reducing poverty and health disparities, and building resilient communities.

Governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders must prioritize investing in maternal and child health to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all. By various research studies done on maternal and child health by international organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, etc. Investing in mothers and children is essential and crucial for national development. Therefore, governments, organizations, and individuals should prioritize and continue to invest in maternal and child health to build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Parul Institute of Homoeopathy and Research, Parul University, for providing access to the necessary resources and databases. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the WHO, UNICEF, and other global health organizations for their tireless efforts in improving maternal and child health.

The work had no special funding.

Shaikh Mohammed Hamza Jamaluddin
Department of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery
Parul Institute of Homoeopathy and Research, Gujarat, India
Еmail: www.shaikhhamza765@gmail.com

The author contributed to the conceptualization, investigation, and data curation by acquiring and critically reviewing the selected articles, and was involved in the writing – original draft preparation and writing – review & editing to refine the manuscript.

Not applicable

The author declares no conflict of interest.

None

https://doi.org/10.63096/medtigo30622458

Hamza Jamaluddin SM. Saving Lives, Building Futures: Importance of Maternal and Child Health in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. medtigo J Med. 2024;2(4):e30622458. doi:10.63096/medtigo30622458 Crossref