Human Biospecimens for Research into the United Nations SDGs

The United Nations has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. One area that is critical to achieving these goals is  human biospecimens for research in SDGs, which plays a significant role in advancing our understanding of diseases, developing new treatments, and improving human health. 

"the use of human biospecimens for research has significant potential to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, ultimately promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for people worldwide."

Human specimens, such as blood, tissue, and DNA samples, are essential for research in many fields, including genomics, precision medicine, and drug discovery. This article explores how the SDGs relate to using these biosamples for research.

SDG 1: No Poverty 

Using samples for research can contribute to reducing poverty by improving our understanding of diseases and developing new treatments. This can lead to better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased economic productivity.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Biosamples are critical for advancing medical research and developing new treatments for diseases. By improving our understanding of the underlying biology of diseases, we can create more effective treatments and preventive measures, ultimately improving health outcomes and promoting well-being.

SDG 5: Gender Equality 

Research can help address gender-specific health issues like breast and ovarian cancer. By studying the genetic and molecular basis of these diseases, we can develop targeted therapies that are more effective and less toxic than traditional treatments.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Research can lead to the development of new drugs and therapies, creating new jobs in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. By improving health outcomes, research can contribute to economic growth by reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Biospecimens are critical for the development of new drugs and therapies. This requires the infrastructure and resources to collect, store, and analyze these samples. Building and improving these infrastructures and resources can contribute to industry growth and innovation.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Access can be unequal, with specific populations being underrepresented in biobanks and research studies. Efforts should be made to ensure that all people have equal access to biosamples and that research results are inclusive and representative of diverse populations.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Human health research can contribute to climate action by promoting the development of more sustainable treatments and therapies. By reducing the use of animal models and developing more efficient and effective treatments, researchers can reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. 

Using biospecimens for research is essential for advancing medical research and developing new treatments for diseases. By contributing towards achieving these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, scientists can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote sustainable development. Efforts should be made to ensure that access to human specimens is equal and that research results are inclusive and representative of diverse populations. 

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