Progress in protecting public health has been driven by many factors, including improved sanitation and decreased tobacco and alcohol consumption. WHO: global health will improve in 2025 Healthcare
As of 2025, the number of people who have access to basic health services without facing catastrophic health costs has increased by 567 million since 2018. Such data are provided in a report published today by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is dedicated to the results of the work of WHO and national authorities for 2025.
Health for Billions
The report shows an improvement in global health in 2025, despite cuts in funding for both the organization and the global health sector as a whole.
According to WHO, the number of people who are effectively protected from health emergencies has increased by 698 million in recent years. And 1.75 billion people are now living healthier lives than before.
“The 2025 results report shows that, with the support of WHO and partners, countries have delivered tangible progress for millions of people,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“At the same time these results cannot be taken for granted. Sustaining and increasing them will require continued support and investment,” he added.
Challenges persist
Despite progress, the report’s authors note, important health goals remain unmet.
For example, the report’s authors note that despite progress in controlling infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis, and preventing bacterial diseases, significant gaps remain in areas such as diabetes care and measles surveillance. In areas that require an integrated approach – such as disease detection, emergency response, and polio eradication – many challenges remain, due in part to a lack of funding.
Resulting in improved public health?
Progress in protecting public health and well-being has been driven by many factors, including the use of clean energy, reductions in air pollution, improved sanitation, and reductions in tobacco and alcohol.
WHO advice and technical support from the organization also played an important role in achieving these results.
Funding must be flexible
The report also notes that a significant share of WHO funding remains largely targeted and focused on specific thematic areas, limiting the ability to strategically allocate funds in line with organizational priorities.
As the global financial environment becomes increasingly challenging, flexible financing will be critical to sustaining good health outcomes.