FAO at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2025: Goal 3 – Good health and well-being

Daniela Godoy,  FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, delivered an statement at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2025 panel on ''Goal 3 – Good health and well-being".

Achieving SDG 3 requires integrated, multisectoral approaches that address the interconnections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The One Health approach is essential to enhance food safety, reduce zoonotic disease risks, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Strengthening governance and fostering collaboration across sectors are critical for resilient and sustainable health systems.

Food safety is a key component of public health. Strengthened food control systems can prevent foodborne illnesses and mitigate risks from biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Safe food contributes to improved nutrition, lower disease burden, and supports SDG 3 targets related to water- and food-related illnesses.

The promotion of healthy diets is vital in combating non-communicable diseases. In 2021, unhealthy diets accounted for 10% of all deaths globally, with high sodium and low fruit and whole grain intake among the top dietary risk factors. The FAO/WHO Joint Statement outlines four core principles of healthy diets: adequate, balanced, diverse, and moderate.

Despite progress, access to healthy diets remains a major challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean. The region has the world’s highest cost of a healthy diet, making it unaffordable for over 182 million people. In 2022, 27.7% of the regional population could not access such diets, with the highest rates in the Caribbean.

FAO promotes sustainable agrifood systems that minimize environmental impacts and enhance access to nutritious food, contributing to improved health outcomes. The One Health framework also supports integrated pest management and the reduction of antimicrobial resistance, which directly impact human health.

Environmental pollutants, especially through water and soil contamination, remain under-monitored yet significantly contribute to disease. Transforming agrifood systems provides a strategic opportunity to address pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change—fostering healthier populations and a healthier planet.