Global Health Progress Defies a Year of Strain

Worldwide, 2025 delivered major health gains as countries eliminated diseases, expanded vaccination and strengthened pandemic preparedness despite wars, climate shocks and funding cuts.

“These achievements show what is possible when countries work together with science and solidarity,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

The year saw multiple breakthroughs: the Maldives achieved triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, while Brazil eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission. Malaria was eliminated in three countries, seven African nations introduced malaria vaccines, and global measles deaths have fallen 88% since 2000, saving nearly 59 million lives. Since 2010, the number of people needing treatment for neglected tropical diseases has declined by nearly one-third, and 1.4 billion more people are now living healthier lives, demonstrating that sustained cooperation can deliver progress even during global crises.