WHO Report: Global Health Gains Face Threat of Reversal
The World Health Organization released its 2026 report showing that while some health improvements have been made, the world is off track to meet health goals by 2030. Progress is slowing in key areas despite gains in HIV prevention, tobacco use reduction, and tropical disease control.
Global Health Progress Stalling
The world is falling short on health targets, with progress uneven, slowing, and in some areas reversing, according to the World Health Statistics 2026 report, published today by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Key Progress Areas
New HIV infections fell by 40% between 2010 and 2024; both tobacco use and alcohol consumption have declined since 2010; and the number of people needing interventions for neglected tropical diseases has dropped by 36% between 2010 and 2024.
Persistent Challenges
While there have been meaningful improvements in global health over the past decade, with millions benefiting from better prevention, treatment and access to essential services, persistent and emerging challenges mean that the world remains off track to achieve any of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
With rising environmental risks, health emergencies, and a worsening health financing crisis, accelerated action is needed. Between 2020 and 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic was linked to an estimated 22.1 million excess deaths, including indirect deaths, more than three times the number of officially reported COVID-19 deaths.