Significant advances in global health and challenges to face according to the WHO.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented a significant assessment of global health advancements over the past year, highlighting notable achievements in the elimination of diseases worldwide. Among these milestones, countries such as Brazil, India, and Pakistan, among others, have successfully eradicated neglected tropical diseases, such as African trypanosomiasis and leprosy. These efforts reflect a collective and sustained commitment from nations and organizations working to improve public health. The elimination of malaria in Egypt, after a century of struggle, and the recognition of Cape Verde as a malaria-free country are emblematic examples of how perseverance and investment in health can translate into concrete progress. The Americas region also received good news, being declared again free of measles, and in Guinea, maternal and neonatal tetanus has been eliminated, marking significant progress in maternal and child health. The WHO has emphasized that these achievements are not merely national but victories for global health as a whole, highlighting the crucial role of donors and partner organizations. However, despite these successes, the WHO has underscored the threat posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for more than half of global deaths. These diseases, which include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are largely preventable and require urgent attention. The WHO report warns of the obstacles countries face in implementing effective measures against NCDs. These barriers include the harmful influence of aggressive business practices and industry pressure, which often hinder the development of necessary public health policies. This poses a particular challenge for low- and middle-income countries, which are the most affected by these conditions. In an effort to address this crisis, the WHO has announced that the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly for the Prevention and Control of NCDs will take place in 2025. The objective of this meeting will be to accelerate global responses to NCDs by strengthening health systems and promoting primary care, thus contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. A striking new statistic revealed by the WHO indicates that around 1.8 billion adults worldwide face a high risk of developing serious diseases due to a lack of physical activity. This alarming rise in obesity and diabetes, which exceeds 800 million cases globally, presents serious challenges for public health in the near future. Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the major health threats, with world leaders agreeing to a commitment to reduce deaths from resistant infections by 10% by 2030. The WHO has emphasized the urgent need to take decisive action to tackle these issues, which are exacerbated by climate change and other socioeconomic factors. The recent World Health Assembly also addressed concerns related to climate change and its impact on public health. Member States have agreed to promote social participation in health policy formulation, ensuring that community voices are heard and that trust in health systems is fostered. Additionally, successful negotiations have taken place regarding a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness and response. This new approach includes the establishment of a Financial Coordination Mechanism and the definition of a pandemic emergency, allowing for a more effective response to future health crises. The WHO has reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for global health, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach that integrates public health, economy, and environment. In an increasingly interconnected world, international collaboration is more essential than ever to ensure health security and prevent future pandemics.