“THE 2025 results report shows that with the support of WHO and its partners, countries have delivered tangible benefits to millions of people,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “At the same time, these gains cannot be taken for granted“.
The report, released ahead of the World Health Assembly next month, finds progress on three fronts: expanding access to essential health services; strengthen protection against health emergencies; and improve general well-being.
Yet around half of its production targets have not been met, with financial pressures and internal restructuring having taken a toll on achievement – and the world remains far from on track to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Billions achieved but targets missed
Even though the WHO failed to achieve its “triple billion” target, which aimed for one billion more people to benefit in each of the three fronts by the end of 2025 compared to 2018, substantial progress has nevertheless been made.
An estimated 567 million more people were covered by essential health services in 2025, up 136 million compared to 2024.
Around 698 million more people were better protected against health emergencies, an increase of 61 million from the previous year.. And 1.75 billion more people led healthier lives, a figure jump of 300 million since 2024.
Progress toward universal health coverage has been driven by expanding services to combat communicable diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis, improving sanitation, and increasing the health workforce. However, gaps remain in diabetes management, measles surveillance and financial protection.
Reinforced emergency measures
Progress in emergency preparedness has been supported in part by the recently adopted Pandemic Accord and the revision of the International Health Regulations.
WHO responded to 66 emergencies in 88 countries in 2025, including in 33 million medical consultations via health partners in Gaza.
Other areas, including disease detection, emergency response and polio eradication, remain more challenging, reflecting country capacity, financing and operational constraints.
At the same time, WHO also strengthened emergency mental health and psychosocial support systemsthereby increasing country coverage from 28 percent to 48 percent.
HPV vaccine coverage increased from 17 percent in 2019 to 31 percent in 2024 through simplified single-dose schedules. A new global air pollution The roadmap aims for a 50 percent reduction in deaths linked to this phenomenon by 2040.
Funding crunch threatens hard-won gains
However, immediate consequences include reduced staff capacity, limited technical support and slower program implementation.
A significant portion of the WHO budget also remains earmarked for specific thematic areas, limiting strategic flexibility.
The results will be presented by Tedros at the 79th World Health Assembly, which will be held from May 18 to 23, 2026 in Geneva.
“Protect and develop [these gains] will require sustained support and investmentso that together we can continue to advance the vision set out in the WHO Constitution: the highest attainable standard of health as a right for all,” Tedros said.
