WHO Reports Global Health Progress Despite Financial Challenges

New Delhi, 12 May : In a significant milestone for global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its Results Report 2024, highlighting strong progress in key health goals across more than 150 countries, even amidst growing financial pressures. Published ahead of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (19–27 May 2025), the report provides a mid-term assessment of WHO's Programme Budget 2024–2025 and progress under its Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019–2025).

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the collaborative efforts of countries and partners: “In a world of overlapping crises and constrained resources, these results show why the world needs a strong and sustainably financed WHO—delivering trusted, high-quality support to countries and their people.”

The report emphasizes progress on WHO’s “Triple Billion” targets. Notably, an estimated 431 million more people now benefit from essential health services without facing catastrophic health costs. Gains were largely due to improvements in the healthcare workforce, expanded contraceptive access, and increased HIV antiretroviral therapy. However, gaps in immunization and financial hardship still pose significant hurdles.

In emergency preparedness, 637 million more people are now better protected thanks to stronger surveillance, improved workforce capacity, and access to medical tools. Amid ongoing threats such as the H5N1 avian flu, WHO emphasized the urgency of global pandemic preparedness. A new draft pandemic agreement—set to be discussed at the World Health Assembly—aims to further bolster these efforts.

The biggest success came in the third “billion” target, with 1.4 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being. This achievement was fueled by global reductions in tobacco use, improved air quality, access to clean household energy, and better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Challenges remain, particularly with rising obesity and alcohol use.

Among key accomplishments in 2024, seven countries eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, and Guinea worm disease is nearing eradication. WHO also led emergency responses in 89 countries, supporting trauma care, infection control, mental health, and WASH services. Over 37,000 surgeries were performed by WHO emergency medical teams.

The organization made notable strides in mental health, with 70 million more people accessing care and one million receiving treatment. In a coordinated campaign, over half a million children were vaccinated against polio in Gaza. Additionally, WHO distributed mpox tests across 32 countries and coordinated the global pledge of 6 million vaccine doses.

Investing in digital innovation, WHO’s global digital health certification network now supports 2 billion people in carrying digital health records. Meanwhile, the organization trained over 15,000 health professionals in refugee and migrant health.

In a hopeful sign, WHO’s Investment Round secured $1.7 billion in pledges from 71 contributors—covering over half of its voluntary funding needs. As WHO works to ensure sustainable, predictable financing, the Results Report serves as a vital tool of accountability and planning for future health priorities.