The World Health Organization’s World Health Statistics 2025 report reveals a sharp decline in global health due to COVID-19. Between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy worldwide fell by 1.8 years. This marks the largest drop in recent history. It wiped out a decade’s worth of health gains.
Mental health also suffered. Increased anxiety and depression linked to the pandemic cut global healthy life expectancy by six weeks. These losses erased progress made from reduced deaths caused by chronic diseases during the same period.
SLOWING PROGRESS THREATENS GLOBAL HEALTH TARGETS
The report assesses global progress towards WHO’s Triple Billion targets. While some gains were made, progress slowed before the pandemic and has yet to fully recover. WHO warns that without urgent action, health improvements may stall or reverse.
“Behind every data point is a person. It’s a child lost, a mother who died in childbirth, or a preventable death,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He called for governments to act swiftly and responsibly to protect vulnerable populations, especially women and girls.
MIXED RESULTS IN HEALTH MILESTONES
The report shows 1.4 billion more people are living healthier lives by the end of 2024, exceeding the target of one billion. This success stems from reductions in tobacco use, improved air quality, and better access to water and sanitation.
However, fewer people gained access to essential health services—only 431 million more—falling short of targets. Protection against health emergencies improved for 637 million people but remains inadequate.
MATERNAL AND CHILD MORTALITY: PROGRESS AT RISK
Progress in reducing maternal and child deaths has stalled. After two decades of dramatic improvements—maternal deaths dropped by over 40% and under-five deaths more than halved—the trend is slowing. This threatens millions of lives.
Primary healthcare underinvestment, shortages of skilled workers, and gaps in immunization and safe childbirth services are major barriers. Without urgent intervention, an additional 700,000 maternal deaths and 8 million under-five deaths may occur between 2024 and 2030.
NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES DRIVE RISING DEATHS
Premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer—are increasing. Population growth and aging contribute to this trend, with NCDs now causing most deaths under age 70 globally.
Despite challenges, some progress is clear. Tobacco use is declining and global alcohol consumption dropped from 5.7 to 5.0 litres per capita between 2010 and 2022. Nonetheless, air pollution remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
HEALTH WORKFORCE SHORTAGES HAMPER RECOVERY
Health systems face a massive workforce shortfall, projected at 11.1 million by 2030. Nearly 70% of this gap affects Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean regions. This shortage threatens service delivery and pandemic recovery.
“Strong health systems depend on strong health information,” said Dr. Haidong Wang, WHO Unit Head for Health Data and Analytics. WHO supports countries through the SCORE strategy and the World Health Data Hub to improve health data quality and use.
UNEVEN PROGRESS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL
HIV and tuberculosis rates continue to decline. Fewer people need treatment for neglected tropical diseases. Yet malaria is resurging since 2015. Antimicrobial resistance remains a serious threat.
Childhood vaccination coverage, including for the DTP3 vaccine, has not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. Many countries struggle to tackle foundational health risks like malnutrition, air pollution, and unsafe living conditions.
FUNDING GAPS THREATEN HEALTH GAINS
Disruptions in international aid further jeopardize progress, especially in countries with high healthcare needs. Sustainable, predictable financing from domestic and international sources is critical.
“This report shows the world is failing its health checkup,” said Dr. Samira Asma, WHO Assistant Director-General for Data, Analytics, and Delivery for Impact. She emphasized that rapid progress is possible through timely data, continuous program improvements, and smart investments.
