Kudakwashe Chinokuya
World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a World health statistics report revealing slow global health gains in the past years , hitherto. Some of the health impacts are said to have been caused by COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 to 2021.
WHO warns that overall progress is under threat and urgent global action is needed to get back on track.
“Behind every data point is a person – a child who did not reach their fifth birthday, a mother lost in childbirth, life cut short by preventable diseases, ” said WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanim Ghebtryesus .
Furthermore said, “These are avoidable tragedies.They point to critical gaps in access, protection and investment especially for women and girls.Health progress is slowing. Every government has responsibility to act , with urgency, commitment, and accountability to the people they serve.”
Another health area is the maternal and child deaths which has been seen falling fast enough to reach global targets.
According to the report:
“Progress has stalled putting millions of lives at risk.This follows two decades of remarkable gains: between 2000 and 2023, maternal deaths which dropped by over 40% and child deaths under 5 years of age more than halved. But underinvestment in primary health care shortages of skilled health workers, and gaps in services like immunization and safe childbirth are now holding countries back,” it states.
Chronic diseases such as heart stroke, diabetes, and cancer have led to more loss of lives.
The report highlights that,”premature deaths from heart disease,stroke, diabetes and cancer are rising, driven by population growth and aging and now account for most deaths among people under the age of 70,worldwide.
“Progress has been possible where governments and civil society have committed to action: tobacco use which is declining and global alcohol consumption dropped from 5.7 to 5.0 litres per Capita between 2010 and 2022. Air pollution remains one of preventable death worldwide.The impact of poor mental health continues to hold back progress,” it states.
HIV and TB incidences rates are said to be falling and fewer people need treatment for neglected tropical disease.Malaria has also been mentioned as resurging since 2015 and antimicrobial resistance remains a public health challenge.
The report also gives an account on how the withdrawal of international aid has threatened to destabilize progress, particularly in countries the greatest health- care needs.Financial muscle from both domestic and international sources is urgently needed to health gain and counter and rising threats.
