By Prince Ahenkorah
The latest World Health Organization (WHO) Results Report for 2024 shines a light on the significant strides made in global health objectives, even amidst financial wavering on the world stage.
Released ahead of the upcoming 78th World Health Assembly, scheduled for 19–27 May 2025, the report offers a mid-term evaluation of WHO’s efforts in executing the Programme budget 2024–2025. It presents a glimpse of the progress towards the strategic priorities outlined in the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2025.
Across over 150 countries and territories, the WHO’s work is showcased in the report, delving into the implementation of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, highlighting both achievements and forthcoming challenges.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, lauded the report’s findings, emphasizing how numerous nations are forging ahead on an array of health fronts with WHO’s backing. He underlined the positive impact on populations, with improved access to vital health services leading to healthier lives and enhanced resilience against health crises.
While progress has been evident in extending essential health service coverage, fortifying defenses against health emergencies, and enhancing overall well-being, the journey remains incomplete in meeting the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
As the world strives for the ambitious target of ensuring another billion people benefit from universal health coverage, the report estimates that nearly half of this goal has been achieved with enhanced access to crucial health services, driven by advancements in healthcare personnel, better contraceptive availability, and expanded HIV treatment. Nonetheless, obstacles persist in funding and immunization strategies.
For the segment aiming to better shield an additional billion people from health crises, substantial strides have been made, with millions now better prepared due to heightened vigilance, bolstered healthcare capacity, and equitable access to life-saving resources. Financial constraints, however, loom over pandemic responses, with concerted efforts needed to prepare for potential threats like the H5N1 avian flu outbreak.
The report’s final goal of another billion people enjoying improved health and well-being saw remarkable success, surpassing initial expectations as millions now live healthier lives due to measures targeting tobacco use, air quality, and access to clean water and sanitation. Challenges persist in addressing rising obesity and alcohol intake rates.
Despite these achievements, the road ahead remains treacherous, with mounting challenges exacerbated by dwindling foreign aid and reduced health budgets. Financing uncertainties pose critical threats to pandemic readiness and erode past gains, necessitating sustained commitment to fortify global health systems.
Moreover, WHO’s commitment to enhanced operational efficiency and data utilization underscores its dedication to providing high-quality support to nations in need. The Results Report signifies a pivotal step in ensuring WHO remains accountable to Member States, stressing the importance of leveraging lessons learned to propel future actions and secure the necessary resources to advance global health initiatives.