WHO 2025 Results Report: Global Health Progress Amid Funding Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its 2025 Results Report, detailing measurable improvements in global health despite funding cuts.

Progress on Triple Billion Targets

Compared to 2018 baselines, the report states:

• 567 million more people had access to essential health services without catastrophic spending in 2025 (increase of 136 million since 2024).
• 698 million more people were better protected from health emergencies in 2025 (increase of 61 million since 2024).
• 1.75 billion more people were living healthier lives in 2025 (increase of 300 million since 2024).

However, the report notes that targets remain unachieved and the world is not on track to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Indicators and Performance

Approximately half of 121 output indicators were not met, particularly in emergency-prone and resource-limited settings. Financial pressures and the WHO realignment process reduced human resource capacity, technical support, and slowed program implementation.

Universal Health Coverage

Driven by expanded services for communicable diseases (HIV, tuberculosis), improved sanitation, and growing health workforce. Gaps remain in diabetes management, measles surveillance, and financial protection.

Health Emergencies Protection

Progress linked to advances in pandemic preparedness, early warning systems, and response capacity, supported by the adopted Pandemic Agreement and revised International Health Regulations. Challenges persist in disease detection, emergency response, polio eradication, and transition.

Better Health and Well-being

Driven by improved access to clean household energy, water, sanitation, hygiene, and reductions in air pollution, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.

Key Achievements in 2025

• Antimicrobial Resistance: Expanded surveillance via the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
• Mental Health: Emergency psychosocial support coverage increased from 28% to 48% of countries.
• HPV Vaccination: Global coverage rose from 17% in 2019 to 31% in 2024, aided by simplified single-dose schedules.
• Pandemic Preparedness: Adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and amendments to International Health Regulations.
• Humanitarian Response: Responded to 66 emergencies in 88 countries; in Gaza, delivered 33 million medical consultations.
• Environmental Health: Updated global air pollution roadmap aiming to halve deaths from poor air quality by 2040.
• One Health: Enhanced multisectoral collaboration through Quadripartite partnership.

Challenges and Funding

The report states that much of WHO's funding remains highly earmarked, limiting strategic allocation. Sustained and flexible financing is deemed essential to safeguard gains.

Statement

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The Results Report 2025 shows that with support from WHO and partners, countries have delivered tangible benefits... Protecting and expanding them will require sustained support and investment."

Report Presentation

The full report will be presented at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (18–23 May 2026).