2024 WHO Results Report: Progress on Global Health Goals Amid Financial Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its 2024 Results Report, outlining significant advancements in global health, even amid economic challenges.

This report gives an overview of WHO’s progress towards its health goals during the 2024–2025 budget cycle, ahead of the upcoming Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly planned for May 2025. It highlights efforts across more than 150 countries, showcasing achievements and the hurdles that lie ahead.

“This report showcases how WHO’s support is helping countries improve health indicators, providing populations with access to essential services and ensuring safety against health crises. In a world facing many challenges, the need for a strong, well-funded WHO is clearer than ever.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Key Highlights of Progress

Progress has been notable but still falls short of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

For universal health coverage, about 431 million more people now have access to essential health care services without facing financial ruin, nearing half of the goal. This improvement is largely due to a better healthcare workforce and increased access to contraception and antiretroviral therapy for HIV patients. However, financial struggles and immunization program challenges remain.

In terms of health emergency protection, approximately 637 million individuals are better safeguarded through enhanced preparedness and access to resources. Reforms, like changes to the International Health Regulations, play a crucial role in these improvements. Yet, funding issues threaten pandemic response efforts, especially with ongoing concerns about the H5N1 avian flu. A new pandemic agreement drafted by WHO member states aims to address these vulnerabilities and strengthen global health responses.

As for health and well-being, the report shows that 1.4 billion people are enjoying better health. This surge is attributed to reduced tobacco use and improved living conditions. However, rising obesity rates and alcohol consumption pose ongoing threats to public health.

Despite these achievements, challenges loom large. A decline in foreign aid and reductions in health budgets put pressure on already fragile health systems, particularly in vulnerable communities. Effective pandemic response efforts are at risk due to dwindling financial support, which could reverse gains made in recent years.

WHO is committed to becoming more efficient through digital innovations and improved support services. In 2024, it boosted efforts in data generation and access, setting the stage for better health programming and impacts on the ground.

Notable Achievements

In 2024, seven countries successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, bringing the total to 54. The eradication of Guinea worm disease is now within reach.

Moreover, 481 international nonproprietary names for medicines were assigned, with 185 countries accessing a WHO medical device database.

Access to mental health services expanded, benefiting an additional 70 million people, with over one million receiving specific treatment for mental health conditions.

A polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip successfully reached over half a million children.

With support from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO distributed 259,000 mpox tests across 32 nations and pledged six million mpox vaccine doses globally.

WHO also coordinated responses to 51 graded emergencies affecting 89 countries, performing over 37,000 surgeries and supporting various health initiatives. It trained more than 15,000 health providers across more than 160 member states to address the health needs of refugees and migrants.

Collaborating with UNICEF and other UN entities, WHO implemented multi-year funding programs in 15 high-burden countries, aiding 9.3 million children and potentially saving one million lives. The digital health certification network, supported by WHO, now helps about two billion people maintain health records digitally.

As WHO works to secure sustainable funding, it has mobilized over $1.7 billion in pledges from 71 contributors, addressing over half of its voluntary funding needs. This funding is vital for maintaining the progress made and improving health services globally.

Overall, the Results Report serves as a critical tool for accountability and ensuring that funding translates into real health improvements worldwide.

For further details, visit the official World Health Organization website.

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Children, Global Health, Mental Health, Mpox, Neglected Tropical Disease, Pandemic, Tropical Disease