IAEG-SDGs: results of discussions on key concerns to health and SRHR advocates

A number of issues of key concern to health and SRHR advocates were considered during the plenary sessions of the IAEG. Below are summaries of key points and decisions:

1          Tier system for the indicators

In presenting the updated tier system for the indicators, classifications were reiterated, ie:

• Tier I: Indicator conceptually clear, established methodology and standards available and data regularly produced by countries
• Tier II: Indicator conceptually clear, established methodology and standards available but data are not regularly produced by countries
• Tier III: Indicator for which there are no established methodology and standards or methodology /standards are being developed/tested.

The updated tier classification (as at 10 Nov) contains 81 Tier I; 57 Tier II; and 88 Tier III indicators. Four indicators have multiple tiers (different components of the indicator are classified into different tiers.)

During the discussions comments were made that countries should work on Tier II indicators, as they would on Tier I.

(See also: Changes in classification of indicators that relate to women and girls by IAEG-SDGs)

2          Review of proposed refinements

Of the ten possible refinements to the indicator framework, the following relate to health, sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender:

Target 3.8 on universal health coverage, including financial risk protection

The largest number of comments was made on indicator 3.8.2 and the following revised refinement proposal was agreed:

“Proportion of the population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income”

The IAEG-SDGS noted that in some contexts 25% is too high a level to define “large household expenditures on health” and that two different levels: one of 10% and one of 25%, be used.

Target 3.b on support for research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases…

The proposed revised refinement proposal to 3.b.1 is:

1. “Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their national programme” and
2. “Proportion of the population with access to affordable, essential medicines on a sustainable basis”

There was agreement on part 1 of the indicator but more consultation will take place on part 2 as to whether it should be “population” or “facilities”

Target 5.6 on universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights

There was considerable discussion on the proposal for indicator 5.6.2 with some observers and UNFPA, also on behalf of UN Women, making comments against the inclusion of men in the indicator. The indicator, as proposed by the IAEG, included the addition of “full and equal access” and the removal of the upper age limit, to read:

 “Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee full and equal access to women and men aged 15 years and older to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education”

During the discussion, Germany suggested adding “disaggregation by sex” at the end of the indicator, because of the lack of agreement on the inclusion of “and men”. This was supported by the US and others, and agreed. The precise wording will be included in the report, currently being prepared.

All the proposed refinements following the consultation and discussion by the IAEG-SDGs can be found here.

3          Current progress on additional indicators

It was reported that the IAEG had held several rounds of internal consultations on targets where additional indicators may be necessary. Among those identified are:

Targets 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.9 (3); 3.b; 3.c; 4.1 (2); 4.b; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4 and 10.7. The discussions were postponed temporarily while the IAEG-SDGs worked on the refinements.