SDG 3 and Global Health Research: A Bibliometric Perspective on Trends, Collaborations, and Future Directions (2015–2024)

Abstract

Purpose– This report examines the research landscape of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) — “Good Health and Well-being” — concentrating on developing nations from 2015 to 2024. It seeks to delineate academic trends, thematic priorities, and collaborative patterns while pinpointing deficiencies in global health research output and equity.

Design/methodology/approach– A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 62 articles retrieved from the Scopus database. VOSviewer software was employed to generate co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, journal co-citation, and country collaboration maps. A descriptive qualitative approach, combining meta-analysis and visual bibliometric techniques, was used to interpret research patterns and thematic clustering.

finding– Five major keyword clusters were identified: SDG core themes, health systems and policy, demographic health issues, disease burdens, and regional inequities. The findings reveal that research outputs are largely concentrated in high-income countries, with limited representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Collaborative networks were fragmented, and Global North journals such as The Lancet dominated co-citation patterns. The University of Ibadan emerged as a key contributor from sub-Saharan Africa, while mental health and obesity remained underexplored despite their rising global relevance.

Practical implications– This study offers a rare bibliometric evaluation of SDG 3 research in developing regions, revealing systemic disparities in authorship, institutional capacity, and research dissemination. The results provide actionable insights for enhancing equitable collaboration, funding allocation, and thematic diversification to advance global health scholarship in alignment with the 2030 Agenda.