Posted on: Thu 15-05-2025

Can the world hit its health targets before the money runs out?

In a world still reeling from crises and budget cuts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dropped a bombshell mid-term report that tells a tale of triumph and turbulence.

Despite mounting financial uncertainty and shrinking foreign aid, WHO’s 2024 report reveals that millions of lives are being saved, deadly diseases are on the brink of eradication, and more people than ever are gaining access to essential health services.

But there's a catch: this progress could unravel fast if the world doesn’t step up its investment.

Released ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly, the report offers a sweeping snapshot of the WHO’s performance on its 2019–2025 global health strategy — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Big Wins: From Mental Health to Disease Eradication

Some of the headline-grabbing achievements include:

• Seven more countries wiped out at least one neglected tropical disease this year, raising the global tally to 54.
• Guinea worm disease is inching closer to total eradication — a goal once thought impossible.
• 70 million more people gained access to mental health services in 2024 alone.
• A massive mpox response saw 259,000 tests distributed across Africa and six million vaccine doses pledged globally.
• Emergency teams performed 37,000+ surgeries, battling crises in 89 countries.
• In the Gaza Strip, over half a million children were vaccinated against polio during an emergency campaign.

431 million more people now access essential health services without facing financial ruin.

The number of people enjoying better health and well-being has surged past 1.4 billion, surpassing global targets.

But Here’s the Plot Twist: Funding Is Drying Up

While the progress is undeniable, the WHO pulls no punches: financial headwinds are threatening everything. A slowdown in foreign aid and tighter health budgets could push fragile systems — especially in vulnerable communities — past breaking point.

“These results show why the world needs a strong, sustainably financed WHO,” said Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. “We’re helping countries achieve real change — but that change is hanging by a thread.”

The report warns that progress on immunisation, universal health coverage, and pandemic preparedness is under serious threat unless new funding sources are secured quickly.

A Race Against Time

The WHO’s sweeping efforts to close global health gaps are impressive: from digital health certifications for 2 billion people, to training 15,000+ providers in migrant and refugee health, to saving one million children’s lives in collaboration with UNICEF.

But as health systems strain and obesity, alcohol use, and climate-related diseases rise, the urgency is clear: either the world invests now, or it risks paying a much higher price later.

S1.7 Billion Raised — But Is It Enough?

In a bid to shore up funding, WHO’s new Investment Round has already secured over S1.7 billion in pledges from 71 contributors — just 53% of its voluntary funding needs.

The message from WHO is clear: the glass is half full — but dangerously close to empty.

Bottom Line:

The WHO’s 2024 report isn’t just a scoreboard — it’s a wake-up call. The world is making history in healthcare. But without bold financial action, that progress could disappear overnight.

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