In 2025, global health saw significant strides, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report. Despite challenges like budget cuts and climate impacts, countries made real progress in fighting diseases and improving health services.
The WHO noted that while pressure on health systems increased, collaboration and evidence-based practices yielded remarkable outcomes. However, this progress depends heavily on continued funding and commitment.
Key Achievements in Disease Control
Some countries reached major milestones in eliminating infectious diseases. The Maldives became the first nation to completely stop HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from passing from mothers to babies. Brazil achieved a similar success with HIV, making it the largest country in the Americas to do so.
Several nations also tackled neglected tropical diseases. Burundi, Egypt, and Fiji reported success in eliminating trachoma, while Guinea and Kenya eradicated sleeping sickness. Notably, Niger became the first African country to eliminate river blindness. Since 2010, the number of people needing treatment for these diseases has dropped by nearly one-third.
Progress continued in battling tuberculosis (TB). Deaths decreased significantly in Africa and Europe, but an estimated 1.2 million people still died from TB in 2024. Issues like HIV and malnutrition continue to drive these numbers.
Efforts against malaria also advanced, with Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste certified as malaria-free. Seven African nations introduced malaria vaccines, contributing to averting 170 million cases and one million deaths in 2024.
International Cooperation
In 2025, nations came together to adopt the first Pandemic Agreement and strengthened health regulations, paving the way for better responses to future health crises. Leaders emphasized the importance of mental health, noncommunicable diseases, and maternal care, supporting WHO’s focused guidance on these issues.
Global health statistics revealed that 1.4 billion more people are now living healthier lives, thanks to reduced tobacco use and better environmental conditions. Vaccination efforts played a role, cutting measles deaths by 88 percent since 2000, saving nearly 59 million lives. Expanding HPV vaccination also brings hope for reducing cervical cancer cases.
However, the progress isn’t universal. About 20 million children missed vital vaccines due to conflicts and misinformation. The decline in maternal and child mortality remains slow, prompting calls for stronger investments in healthcare.
The Funding Challenge
In 2025, funding cuts affected essential services like maternal care and immunization. The WHO cautioned that reduced resources could erase years of progress. Yet, the organization assisted emergency health responses in 79 countries, including Gaza and Ukraine, ensuring essential medical support and routine care continued even amid crises.
What Lies Ahead
As we move into 2026, the WHO sees the enacted Pandemic Agreement as a sign of renewed commitment to health preparedness. The agency remains focused on a foundational principle: everyone deserves the right to a high standard of health, not just a privilege for the few.
This commitment to global health will be critical as the world faces ongoing challenges, from emerging diseases to health disparities. Collaborative efforts and sustained funding will be key to leveraging the gains made in 2025 for a healthier future.
