The Interface Between Health, Education, and Sustainable Development: An Indian Perspective
Keywords:
Health, Education, Sustainable Development, SDG 3, SDG 4, India, Policy Integration, Public HealthAbstract
The interface between health, Education and Sustainable Development plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 4 (Quality Education). The study examines the bidirectional relationship between health and education in India, focusing on their collective role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat. By analyzing secondary data from national surveys, including the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), and Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+), alongside global reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and NITI Aayog’s SDG Index, the paper identifies synergies and gaps in policy implementation. The analysis reveals that maternal education, as evidenced by NFHS-5 data, correlates with improved child health outcomes, including reduced under-five mortality rates and higher immunization coverage. Conversely, health interventions, such as school nutrition programs, demonstrate positive impacts on educational enrolment and cognitive development. The study employs regression models to establish statistical linkages between literacy rates and preventive healthcare practices, highlighting the role of education in fostering health literacy. Case study of Kerala State illustrate the benefits of integrated approaches, where concurrent investments in primary education and healthcare infrastructure have yielded synergistic outcomes. The findings suggest that siloed implementation of health and education schemes limits their potential to address multidimensional poverty. For instance, Ayushman Bharat and Samagra Shiksha operate independently, missing opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration. The paper argues for policy integration, proposing unified initiatives such as school-based health clinics coupled with digital literacy campaigns. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development by advocating for coordinated governance models that leverage health-education synergies
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