“He Results Report 2025 shows that, with the support of WHO and its partners, countries have achieved tangible benefits for millions of people,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “At the same time, These benefits 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.
However, about half of its production targets were not met, and financial pressures and internal restructuring affected their achievement, and the world remains far from achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Billions were reached but objectives were not achieved
Although the WHO failed to achieve its ‘Triple Billion’ targets, which aimed for one billion more people to benefit on each of the three fronts by the end of 2025 compared to 2018, there was nonetheless substantial progress.
It is estimated that in 2025, 567 million more people were covered by essential health services. up to 136 million from 2024.
Around 698 million more people were better protected from health emergencies, an increase of 61 million from the previous year.. And 1.75 billion more people lived healthier lives, a jump of 300 million from 2024.
Progress toward universal health coverage was driven by expanded services for communicable diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis, improved sanitation, and a growing health workforce. However, gaps remain in diabetes management, measles surveillance and financial protection.
Emergency measures are reinforced
Advances in emergency preparedness were supported in part by the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement and the revised International Health Regulations.
WHO responded to 66 emergencies in 88 countries in 2025, including service delivery 33 million medical consultations through health partners in Gaza.
Other areas, such as disease detection, emergency response and polio eradication, remain more difficult, reflecting limitations in countries’ capacity, funding and operations.
Meanwhile, the WHO also strengthened Emergency mental health and psychosocial support systems.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 related deaths by 2040.
Funding shortages threaten hard-won gains
However, immediate consequences include reduced staffing capacity, limited technical support, and slower program implementation.
A large portion of the WHO budget also remains allocated to specific thematic areas, limiting strategic flexibility.
Tedros will present the findings at the 79th World Health Assembly, May 18-23, 2026, in Geneva.
“Protect and expand [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.
