The World Health Statistics 2025 report highlights the profound setbacks that COVID-19 inflicted on global health. Between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy plunged by 1.8 years, the steepest drop in decades, while healthy life expectancy fell by six weeks due to rising mental health disorders, reversing earlier progress against noncommunicable diseases. Progress toward Triple Billion targets remains mixed.

By 2024, 1.4 billion more people achieved healthier lives through reduced tobacco use, cleaner air, and improved water/sanitation (WASH).

431 million people accessed universal health coverage without facing financial hardship, while 637 million achieved enhanced protection against health emergencies.

Maternal and under-5 mortality reductions have stagnated, risking 700,000 additional maternal and 8 million child deaths by 2030. A projected shortfall of 11.1 million health workers, concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, undermines essential healthcare recovery.

Noncommunicable diseases dominate premature deaths under age 70. While strides in HIV, TB, and neglected tropical diseases continue, resurgent malaria, declining childhood immunization, and antimicrobial resistance threaten gains. Funding gaps risk reversing progress.

WHO urges immediate and ongoing funding, strengthened health information systems through its SCORE initiative, and international cooperation to revive progress, avert new emergencies, and meet the 2030 health targets.