Methodology & Formulas · SDG 3.8

Econometric Methodology: SDG 3.8.1 & SDG 3.8.2 Specification

The observatory computes SDG 3.8.1 coverage as the unweighted geometric mean across four clinical domains totaling 14 tracer indicators, and evaluates SDG 3.8.2 catastrophic spending at both 10% and 25% of total household consumption alongside WHO's 40% non-food capacity-to-pay threshold.

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal Indicator Metadata (3.8.1 and 3.8.2).

1. SDG 3.8.1 Geometric Mean Specification

Because essential health systems cannot compensate for an empty chronic-disease clinic with high immunization coverage alone, SDG 3.8.1 aggregates four domains using a geometric mean: Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), Infectious Diseases, Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), and Service Capacity and Access. Any severe deficit in a single domain pulls down the composite score.

SDG 3.8.1 Four-Domain Geometric Mean Preview

Select sub-index scores across the four domains to observe how geometric weighting penalizes single-domain bottlenecks.

RMNCH Sub-Index
Infectious Disease Sub-Index
NCD Control Sub-Index
Service Capacity & Access
INTERMEDIATE COVERAGE (50 - 69)

Composite SDG 3.8.1 Index: 55.5

Consistent with LMIC transition cohorts; expanding NCD hypertension/diabetes control yields the largest marginal gain.

2. Tracer Indicator Domains & Catastrophic Expenditure Equations

Indicator Domain Tracers Weighting Method Core Primary Care Input
RMNCH 4 Geometric mean (25%) Antenatal visits, DTP3 immunization, skilled birth care
Infectious Diseases 4 Geometric mean (25%) TB treatment, HIV ART, ITN/malaria, basic sanitation
Noncommunicable Diseases 3 Geometric mean (25%) Hypertension & diabetes control, tobacco non-use
Service Capacity & Access 3 Geometric mean (25%) Hospital beds, health worker density, IHR core score