WHO’s 2025. Milestones & challenges, in the face of global funding cuts, and threats to science and solidarity

By Admin

25 Dec, 2025

Introduction
As 2025 draws to a close, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reflected on a year defined by immense achievements alongside profound challenges for global health. While landmark progress was made in disease control, pandemic preparedness, and access to medicines, the year was equally overshadowed by global funding cuts, conflicts, and growing threats to science, solidarity, and healthcare systems worldwide.

A Year of Conflict and Attacks on Healthcare
One of the gravest concerns highlighted by the WHO in 2025 was the unprecedented level of violence against healthcare. As of 17 December, a total of 1,283 attacks on health care were reported globally. These attacks targeted health facilities, staff, patients, medical supplies, and ambulances, resulting in 1,980 deaths and 1,163 injuries among health workers and patients.

Conflict severely disrupted health services in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, Haiti, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine. These crises not only destroyed infrastructure but also undermined access to essential care for millions, exposing the fragility of health systems in conflict-affected settings.

Major Global Health Achievements in 2025
Despite these challenges, the WHO described 2025 as a year of remarkable progress. A historic milestone was the adoption of the world’s first Pandemic Agreement by governments, strengthening global preparedness and cooperation against future health emergencies.

The WHO also advanced efforts to expand access to life-saving medicines and address climate-related health risks, reinforcing the link between environmental change and public health outcomes.

Key achievements in disease control stood out. Maldives achieved the “triple elimination” of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Brazil eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, becoming the most populous country in the Americas to reach this landmark. Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste were certified malaria-free, reflecting sustained global commitment to infectious disease elimination.

Progress and Persistent Gaps in Tuberculosis Control
Tuberculosis remained a major global health challenge in 2025. While TB deaths declined significantly over the past decade, with reductions of 46 percent in the WHO African Region and 49 percent in the European Region, the disease still claimed 1.2 million lives in 2024.

The WHO emphasized that TB continues to be driven by risk factors such as HIV, diabetes, smoking, and undernutrition. These underlying determinants highlight the need for integrated approaches that go beyond treatment alone.

Global Targets for 2030
At the United Nations General Assembly, a new political declaration was adopted to fast-track health targets by 2030. The goals include 150 million fewer tobacco users, 150 million more people with controlled hypertension, and 150 million more people with access to mental health care. These targets underline a growing focus on non-communicable diseases and mental health as central pillars of global health policy.

Funding Cuts and Workforce Shortages
Alongside progress, the WHO raised serious concerns about global funding shortfalls and a growing health workforce crisis. The organization forecasts a global shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030. Although the global nursing workforce has grown to nearly 30 million, stark inequalities persist between countries, leaving many health systems overstretched.

The WHO noted that since 2000, most countries have improved health service coverage and reduced financial hardship linked to healthcare costs. However, inequities remain deep. Around 1.6 billion people continue to live in poverty or are pushed deeper into it due to unaffordable health expenses, with the poorest populations bearing the heaviest burden.

The Call for Increased Investment and Equity
To address these challenges, the WHO called for free essential healthcare for people living in poverty and vulnerable situations. It urged governments to increase public investment in health systems, strengthen care for chronic diseases, and reduce out-of-pocket spending on medicines and other health-related costs.

Conclusion
WHO’s reflection on 2025 paints a complex picture of global health. The year showcased powerful examples of international cooperation, scientific progress, and disease elimination. At the same time, funding cuts, conflicts, attacks on healthcare, and widening inequalities posed serious threats to science and solidarity. Moving forward, sustained investment, protection of healthcare systems, and renewed global cooperation will be critical to building resilient health systems and achieving equitable health outcomes for all.