The World Health Organisation (WHO) says global health improvements are stalling, with recent data showing major setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its 2025 World Health Statistics Report released Thursday, WHO revealed that life expectancy worldwide dropped by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021—the most significant decline in decades.
The report warns that the world is “failing its health check-up,” pointing to reduced well-being and preventable deaths as key indicators.
“Behind every number is a life lost too soon,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, urging stronger global efforts to reverse the trend
In spite of setbacks, the report shows 1.4 billion more people lived healthier lives by 2024, exceeding WHO’s “one billion” goal.
WHO attributes this to declines in tobacco use, improved air quality, and better access to water, hygiene, and sanitation.
However, underinvestment in primary care, health worker shortages, and service gaps — like immunisation — are hindering further progress.
Premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, are rising due to ageing populations and growth.
These diseases are now the leading causes of death for people under 70, according to WHO.
“Air pollution continues to harm population health around the world,” added WHO’s Haidong Wang.
From 2000 to 2023, maternal deaths fell by over 40 per cent, and child deaths under five were halved.
“Yet progress is slowing or reversing in many countries, and these deaths are not decreasing fast enough,” Wang said.
WHO data shows essential health services and emergency protections are lagging globally.
Without urgent action, WHO warns that between 2024 and 2030, 700,000 maternal and eight million child deaths could occur unnecessarily.
