WHO report: Global health progress slows

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its "World Health Statistics Report 2025" on May 15, indicating a slowdown in global health progress.

The World Health Statistics Report is the annual compilation of health and health-related indicators, which has been published by the World Health Organization since 2005.  The 2025 edition consolidates data for health-related indicators from the Sustainable Development Goals. It assesses progress toward the globally agreed targets, describes key challenges for the years ahead and includes reviews on global health topics, such as healthy life expectancy and premature mortality, the "Triple Billion targets" and inequalities in immunization.  

Data reveals a global average life expectancy decline of 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021. Healthy life expectancy also saw a reduction of six weeks, primarily due to rising anxiety and depression.

The report assesses the implementation of WHO's "Triple Billion targets." By the end of 2024, approximately 1.4 billion people were enjoying healthier lives, exceeding the set goal. This achievement is attributed to advancements in tobacco control, improved air quality, and enhanced basic sanitation. However, progress has been slow in areas such as basic healthcare service coverage and health emergency preparedness, with the reduction in maternal and child mortality rates falling short of targets.

The report highlights that noncommunicable diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with the burden of chronic illnesses steadily increasing. Despite a decrease in tobacco use and per capita alcohol consumption, air pollution and mental health issues continue to impede overall health progress.

According to the report, health system recovery is sluggish, there's a severe shortage of health personnel, and challenges in infectious disease control persist. Furthermore, vaccination rates have not fully rebounded. The WHO urges countries to increase investment to get health systems back on track.