The World Health Organisation (WHO) Results Report 2024 shows progress on global health goals, even in times of growing financial uncertainty. The report, released ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly (19–27 May 2025), presents a mid-term assessment of the WHO’s performance in implementing the programme budget for 2024–2025, providing a snapshot of progress towards the strategic priorities outlined in the 13th General Programme of Work (2019–2025).

The report highlights the WHO’s work in over 150 countries and territories, providing an update on the implementation of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It showcases both the achievements so far and the challenges ahead.

“This report shows how, with WHO’s support, many countries are making progress on a huge range of health indicators, helping their populations to live healthier lives, giving them greater access to essential health services, and keeping them safer against health emergencies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “In a world of multiple overlapping challenges and constrained resources for global health, these results demonstrate why the world needs a strong and sustainably-financed WHO, delivering the high-quality, trusted support on which countries and their people rely.”

Progress on Triple Billion Targets

The report demonstrates significant progress in coverage of essential health services, protection from health emergencies, and the enjoyment of healthier lives. Still, the progress is insufficient to reach the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

On the first billion (one billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage), an estimated 431 million more people, nearly half of the goal, are expected to be covered with essential health services without incurring catastrophic health expenditures. This progress is driven mainly by improvements in the healthcare workforce, increased access to contraception and expanded HIV antiretroviral therapy. However, people continue to face financial hardships and challenges in immunisation programmes persist.

Regarding the second billion, one billion more people are better protected from health emergencies – an estimated 637 million more people are better protected through stronger preparedness, surveillance, workforce capacity, and equitable access to tools and services, supported by reforms such as the amendments to the International Health Regulations. Yet financial constraints threaten pandemic response efforts. In the face of the H5N1 avian flu outbreak, there is a continued need for pandemic preparedness. After more than three years of negotiations, WHO member states have drafted a pandemic agreement that will be up for consideration at the upcoming World Health Assembly. The draft proposal includes measures for an increased research infrastructure, emergency global health workforces and other key mechanisms to prevent and respond to pandemic threats.

For the third billion, one billion more people are enjoying better health and well-being – the report shows that 1.4 billion more people are living with better health and well-being, surpassing the initial goal. This is due to reduced tobacco use, improved air quality, clean household fuels, and access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Key challenges lie in addressing increased obesity and alcohol consumption.

However, reaching the goals faces growing challenges. A pause in foreign aid and a reduction of health budgets further strain already fragile health systems, especially in communities with the most pressing health needs. Financial constraints threaten pandemic response efforts. Reduced funding will also undermine hard-won progress.

The WHO has taken concrete steps to become more efficient and effective, including improving operational efficiency and transparency through digital innovation, enhanced support services, and more robust risk and security systems. In 2024, WHO strengthened its support for generating, accessing and using data, paving the way for more evidence-based programming and timelier on-the-ground impact.

Highlighted Accomplishments

Seven countries eliminated a neglected tropical disease in 2024, bringing the total to 54 States that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Guinea worm disease is now closer than ever to eradication.

WHO assigned 481 international non-proprietary names for medicines, and 185 countries accessed the organisation’s database of medical devices nomenclature.

Seventy million more people had access to mental health services by the end of 2024, and at least one million people living with a mental health condition received treatment.

An emergency polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip vaccinated over half a million children.

With support from the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO distributed 259,000 mpox tests in 32 countries. Globally, 6 million mpox vaccine doses were pledged.

WHO coordinated responses to 51 graded emergencies in 89 countries and territories. WHO’s emergency medical teams performed more than 37,000 surgeries and supported infection prevention and control, WASH, trauma care, and mental health support.

WHO trained over 15,000 health providers and policymakers across more than 160 Member States on addressing the health needs of refugees and migrants.

WHO’s collaboration with UNICEF and other UN agencies has resulted in multi-year funding programmes in 15 high-burden countries, reaching 9.3 million children and saving an estimated 1 million lives.

Increasing efficiency, the global digital health certification network, supported by the WHO, has now enabled approximately two billion people to carry digital health records.

WHO recognises the sustained commitment of Member States and will work with new and existing donors and partners to secure additional funding. Securing predictable, sustainable, and resilient financing is the key objective of the Investment Round, which has mobilised over US$1.7 billion in pledges from 71 contributors, covering 53% of the WHO’s voluntary funding needs.

The Results Report is crucial to WHO’s accountability to Member States. This report ensures that funding is used to deliver impact, that results are regularly measured, and that future needs are accurately identified, based on lessons learned.

Source: WHO