SDG 3 Health: Focus on Disease Prevention
The third contribution in the SDG series focuses on prevention priorities in teaching and research.
Health is much more than the absence of disease. Within the framework of SDG 3, the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 highlights the central role of prevention to strengthen the provision of healthcare worldwide and reduce stresses for individuals and for society as a whole. Target 3.d in particular emphasises the necessity of improving healthcare and resilience towards risks.
Prevention Focus Areas in Teaching and Research
At the St. Pölten UAS, disease prevention is a constant cross-cutting topic in teaching and research that brings together students and experts of diverse disciplines.
Multidisciplinary questions of promoting physical activity, rehabilitation, resilience, and nutrition are at the centre. In the form of teaching/research projects, students are directly involved in the work on current challenges. An overview of ongoing projects shows the variety:
- “Hör auf deinen Körper“ (listen to your body) – a Healthcare and Nursing project that sensitises young people for the body’s warning signal.
- “Pausenpower” (taking powerful breaks) – a programme that integrates simple movement and relaxation sessions into everyday work routines to prevent health risks.
- “MMOVE“ – a method of using the smartphone to check whether rehabilitation exercises were executed correctly.
These examples illustrate how preventive strategies can be directly embedded in everyday contexts – for better health and quality of life.
Improving Mental Health
Another key area for action at the St. Pölten UAS is the promotion of mental health. With the programme Peers4You, the university systematically supports its students: Students assist each other in stressful situations, crises, or psychological burdens – a low-threshold, confidential, and preventive option.
There are specific offers for employees as well, such as burnout prevention which contributes to relief and long-term work ability.
Holistic Approach to Health
Disease prevention is an important contribution to SDG 3 – but it is still only a part of the whole. With its key focus areas in teaching, research, and practically relevant programmes, the St. Pölten UAS systematically addresses this aspect without losing sight of the health topic’s complexity.
About the SDG series
As part of our SDG series, we explore one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals each week. The featured contributions highlight how St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences actively supports a sustainable future. Topics range from tackling old-age poverty and advancing AI for Green to fostering strategic partnerships and networks.
Learn more about sustainability at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences.