The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Results Report for 2023, highlighting significant achievements in global health despite ongoing challenges such as conflict, climate change, and disease outbreaks. This comprehensive report, released ahead of the 2024 Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, reflects WHO’s commitment to addressing emerging health priorities and reaching the ambitious triple billion targets set for improving global health.
Overview of Achievements and Challenges
The WHO’s revised Programme Budget for 2022–2023, totaling US$ 6726.1 million, incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic response. This budgetary allocation reflects the organization’s focus on advancing key public health milestones while addressing emerging health needs worldwide.
With 96% of WHO country offices providing 174 country reports on achievements, the report showcases progress towards 46 targets while acknowledging ongoing challenges in meeting the triple billion targets and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Triple Billion Targets Progress
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted that the world is off track in reaching most of the triple billion targets and SDGs. However, he expressed optimism that with concerted action, substantial progress could still be made. The report highlights advancements in several critical areas:
- Healthier Populations: The trajectory indicates progress towards the target of 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being by 2025. This progress is driven by improvements in air quality, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene measures.
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Approximately 30% of countries are advancing in coverage of essential health services and providing financial protection, particularly through increased HIV service coverage.
- Health Emergencies Protection: While coverage of vaccinations for high-priority pathogens has improved compared to pandemic-related disruptions, it has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. The Pandemic Fund’s disbursements in 2023 supported 37 countries with financing to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capacities.
Prominent Achievements
The WHO’s Results Report 2023 highlights several key achievements:
- Malaria Control: The rollout of the first-ever malaria vaccine, “RTS,S/AS01,” reduced mortality among eligible children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi by 13%. The prequalification of a second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, is expected to further enhance malaria control efforts.
- Neglected Tropical Disease Elimination: 14 countries successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease between 2022 and 2023, demonstrating targeted interventions’ effectiveness.
- Tuberculosis Treatment: The introduction of all-oral treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis allowed the highest number of people with tuberculosis to receive treatment in almost 30 years, aligning with the WHO’s “End TB Strategy.”
- Trans Fats Reduction: The WHO’s “REPLACE” initiative gained traction, with additional countries implementing policies to restrict trans fats, contributing to healthier food environments globally.
- HIV/AIDS Control: Over 75% of people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy, showcasing significant progress in controlling HIV transmission.
- Cervical Cancer Prevention: The introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 25 countries aligns with the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Despite these achievements, challenges remain:
- Unequal Health Outcomes: Disparities in access to healthcare persist due to factors like poverty, geography, and gender, requiring targeted interventions to address inequalities.
- Global Health Workforce Shortage: A shortage of healthcare workers in many regions impedes access to essential health services, highlighting the need for training programs and workforce retention initiatives.
The Way Forward and Commitment to Global Health
The WHO’s Programme Budget for 2024–2025 aims to balance investment in normative functions with strengthening country offices. Efforts are underway to secure sustainable financing and resources through inclusive engagement with donors and partners, culminating in a high-level financing event later in 2024.
The Results Report underscores the importance of continued global cooperation and investment in healthcare systems to achieve the SDGs, particularly Goal 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. By building on achievements and addressing persistent challenges, the WHO and its partners can pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future for everyone.