Global life expectancy fell by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021 – the steepest decline in recent history, effectively erasing a decade of health gains.
The World Health Statistics Report 2025. The report underscores how the COVID-19 pandemic not only caused widespread mortality but also exacerbated other health challenges, including mental health issues, which reduced global healthy life expectancy by six weeks.
“The 2025 World Health Statistics report shows that the world is failing in its annual health checkup,” said Samira Asma, WHO Director of Data Analytics and Delivery for Impact. “However, rapid progress is possible if countries recommit to reliable data, continuous program improvements, and the prevention of premature deaths.”
An estimated 1.4 billion more people were living healthier lives by the end of 2024 – exceeding the target of one billion.
However, only 431 million additional people gained access to essential health services without financial hardship, significantly below the target.
Furthermore, just 637 million more people were better protected from health emergencies, revealing critical gaps in health preparedness and response.
Maternal and child health gains have also stalled. Despite a 40% reduction in maternal deaths and a halving of under-5 child mortality between 2000 and 2023, recent progress has plateaued. WHO cautions that without urgent intervention, the world risks failing to prevent an additional 700,000 maternal deaths and 8 million child deaths by 2030.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke, now account for more than half of deaths in people under 70.
“Mortality rates have improved in that age group, but deaths from NCDs have risen,” said Haidong Wang, Acting Director of WHO’s Department of Data and Analytics. “Tobacco use remains a significant risk factor, and while alcohol consumption has declined in some regions, other areas have seen limited progress. Poor management of hypertension and diabetes, along with persistent air pollution, continues to undermine global health.”
The world remains off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature NCD mortality by one third by 2030.
Additionally, disruptions in international aid pose further risks, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
WHO is urging both domestic and international funding to safeguard health gains and address emerging threats.
Despite the bleak findings, the report also highlights positive trends: global tobacco use continues to decline, and alcohol consumption fell from 5.7 to 5.0 litres per capita between 2010 and 2022. Improvements in air quality, access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene have also contributed to healthier living conditions for millions.
WHO calls for urgent and coordinated global action to reverse setbacks and accelerate progress towards 2030 health targets.
Source: Africafeeds.com
