Data gaps affecting health-related sustainable development goal indicators

To evaluate the extent and distribution of missing data across health-related sustainable development goal (SDG) indicators in World Health Organization (WHO) regions, over time and by disaggregation and method of data collection.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of health-related indicators from the United Nations SDG indicators database. Our analysis included data from 194 Member States between 2015 and 2024. We assessed the overall proportion of missing data by WHO region, variation over time, level of disaggregation, data timeliness and methods.

We observed pronounced data gaps and inconsistencies across WHO regions and over time. At the target level, about one third of targets (8 out of 27) had over 90% missing data points, while 41 of 43 indicators had more than 90% missing data in 2024, compared with 11 indicators in 2019. At least one form of disaggregation was present in 72% of indicators, yet missing data did not vary significantly by disaggregation level. Across regions, the number of indicators with over 90% missing data ranged from 12 to 16. Methodological differences also influenced data availability: indicators relying on estimates had substantially higher coverage than those based solely on empirical data; 49% relied on estimates, 35% on empirical data and 16% on a combination of both.

This study underscores critical limitations in the availability, timeliness and consistency of health-related SDG data across WHO regions, highlighting the need for strengthened data systems to support the monitoring of global health progress.