Investigating the selected sub-goals of sustainable development indicators in the health, environment and sanitation sectors in Iran and their comparison with the world situation during the years 2013 to 2018

Sustainable development based on human being is considered as one of the most important criteria in 21st century. It covers a wide range of human lives with individuals and community health as the main pillar.

A documentary methodology was adopted in the present study. Indicators related to the environment and health targets were selected and analyzed by comparing the country with international average, the Middle East and in some cases with upper middle income countries. All stages of the study were conducted according to moral standards.

Iran has a good status in indices related to the safety managed drinking water and basic sanitation services. Population exposure to fine particulate matter (less than 2.5 μ) has increased in recent years. Almost 36% of stroke and ischemic heart diseases, 14% of lung cancers, 8% of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and 6% of acute lower respiratory diseases are attributed to air pollution. Considerable progress have been achieved in some indices such as reduction in tuberculosis and malaria outbreaks and newly incidence of HIV cases.

Although Iran shows a better status than the world average and upper middle income countries in most of the health related indicators of sustainable development, the country's environmental issues (e.g. air pollution) is still a major challenge, which call for rapid and effective management measures in this area.