What's Next and the Quest for 2030 SDG Attainment

Time is running out to achieve the 2030 SDGs. Data are lacking for many SDG indicators, and data are often outdated or presented with a time lag. The WHO European Region is comprised of 53 countries whose health systems and priorities differ; devising a perfect common indicator framework is difficult. The European Programme of Work Measurement Framework is a set of 26 indicators chosen for data availability. The EPWMF reports on the SDG indicators most relevant to the Region. All indicators can be sourced from existing data collections, presenting no extra burden to Member States (MS). WHO proposes two key processes: 1) develop a European Region Health Information Network with membership from all MS and WHO collaborating centers, research institutions, and international organizations. This will improve the quality of health information through international cooperation and knowledge exchange. As the three country stories have shown, we have much to learn from each other. 2) develop a list of SDG indicator areas for which limited data exist across the Region. Main principles: (1) Organize development work as a long-term, institutionalized activity embedded in regular structures and processes of WHO/Europe; (2) Ensure strong involvement of MS so indicators reflect their priorities and any adaptations to data collections are feasible and agreed upon; (3) Ensure strong involvement of international organizations to prevent duplication of work and increased reporting burden; (4) Align development with policy processes to ensure coherence between WHO policy, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and (5) Create flexible structures bringing together relevant experience through working in topic-specific expert groups, utilizing lessons learned from HIS assessments to create realistic indicators that can measure progress. Thus, we will move towards 2030 with a clear plan for developing concrete indicators to ensure all MS can report on the SDGs. SPEAKERS/PANELISTS: Heidi Lyshol Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway