In a sobering wake-up call to the international community, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its World Health Statistics Report 2025, revealing that global life expectancy plummeted by an unprecedented 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021. This marks the sharpest decline in decades, effectively erasing over ten years of progress in global health.
The report, which serves as the UN health agency’s annual review of trends and challenges across the world’s health systems, attributes the decline largely to the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic—not only through direct mortality, but also via its widespread disruption of mental health, chronic disease management, and access to essential care.
“The 2025 World Health Statistics report shows that the world is failing in its annual health checkup,” said Dr. Samira Asma, WHO’s Director for Data Analytics and Delivery for Impact. “But countries have shown that rapid progress is possible. What we really need is a renewed commitment to timely, reliable data and continuous program improvements that help make premature deaths increasingly rare.”
Mental Health Crisis Leaves Global Impact
The WHO findings emphasize that the pandemic’s toll reached beyond the virus itself. Elevated levels of depression and anxiety during lockdowns and extended health crises have led to a measurable decline in global healthy life expectancy—down by six weeks between 2019 and 2021. These psychological impacts offset gains previously made in reducing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and diabetes.
Dr. Haidong Wang, Acting Director of WHO’s Department of Data and Analytics, explained, “Mental health is now a defining element of public health. The increase in mental disorders has left a lasting impact that we must take seriously. Without proper support systems, it undermines every aspect of well-being.”
Progress Towards WHO’s Health Goals Stalls
The report also assessed the world’s trajectory in meeting WHO’s “Triple Billion” targets—ambitious goals set to drive improvements in universal health coverage, health emergency protection, and well-being.
While there was a notable achievement in one area—with 1.4 billion more people reported to be living healthier lives by the end of 2024—progress in the other two categories lagged far behind.
Only 431 million additional people accessed essential health services without financial hardship, missing the one-billion mark by more than half. Meanwhile, just 637 million people were deemed better protected from health emergencies such as pandemics, conflicts, or natural disasters.
“The progress is uneven and concerning,” said Asma. “We’ve seen how vulnerable systems can buckle under pressure, especially where public health funding is fragile or unreliable.”
Stalled Maternal and Child Health Gains
One of the most distressing trends highlighted in the report is the stagnation in maternal and child health improvements. Between 2000 and 2023, global efforts reduced maternal deaths by over 40% and halved child mortality among those under five. However, this progress has recently plateaued.
According to WHO, if current trends continue without urgent intervention, the world may miss the opportunity to prevent an additional 700,000 maternal deaths and eight million child deaths between 2024 and 2030.
“The potential losses are devastating,” said Wang. “We’re at risk of forfeiting hard-earned victories in one of the most vital areas of human development.”
NCDs Take Center Stage in Global Mortality
The growing burden of noncommunicable diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke—is now responsible for over half of all deaths in people under 70 years old. While mortality rates within that age group have improved in some regions, the absolute number of premature deaths due to NCDs is rising.
“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest drivers, alongside poor diet, alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity,” Wang added. “Although global alcohol consumption has decreased—from 5.7 to 5.0 litres per capita between 2010 and 2022—progress is inconsistent. Some regions are regressing.”
The world is currently not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
Health Systems Under Pressure
The WHO also cited multiple systemic challenges that are hampering progress. Chief among them is a projected global shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030, with nearly 70% of this deficit affecting the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Other persistent issues include:
- A resurgence in malaria cases since 2015, reversing prior gains in endemic areas.
- Ongoing struggles to control antimicrobial resistance.
- Incomplete recovery in childhood immunization rates, with global coverage still below pre-pandemic levels.
- Continued public health threats from malnutrition, air pollution, and inadequate housing.
In addition, the WHO expressed concern about recent disruptions in international aid and donor financing, warning that unpredictable funding could derail fragile health gains, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Glimmers of Hope Amid the Crisis
Despite the grim data, the report offers some cause for cautious optimism. Global tobacco use continues to decline, and improvements in air quality, access to clean water, and sanitation are contributing to healthier living environments for millions.
Alcohol consumption has declined steadily, and several countries have made notable advances in combating hypertension, expanding digital health systems, and increasing health literacy.
“There are positive signals—progress is still possible,” said Asma. “We’ve seen nations bounce back when leadership is decisive, data is used effectively, and investments are aligned with public needs.”
A Call for Urgent Global Action
The WHO is urging governments and international partners to rally behind a renewed, coordinated global health strategy to reverse current setbacks and meet 2030 targets.
Key recommendations include:
- Increasing investment in public health infrastructure, especially in underserved regions.
- Strengthening mental health services.
- Scaling up prevention and treatment of NCDs.
- Addressing environmental determinants such as pollution and unsafe living conditions.
- Restoring vaccination programs and emergency preparedness systems.
“Health is the foundation of sustainable development, peace, and economic stability,” said Asma. “Our future depends on the choices we make today. We must act decisively—and together.”
As the world continues to navigate the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Statistics Report 2025 serves as both a stark warning and a blueprint for recovery.
