We Can Do It! A World Health Day Reflection on the Journey of Global Health

In celebration of the just-passed World Health Day on 7th April 2025, I want to take a moment to appreciate the remarkable achievements of global health efforts so far.

If we tried to name all the organisations and people who’ve worked tirelessly to improve health outcomes worldwide, we’d be here all day. From those raising awareness of critical issues, to those advocating, funding, delivering care, or helping restore health systems after crises. Thank you!

As someone starting out in global health, I am constantly in awe of the lives changed and saved by the work of people and organisations around the world. I hope to one day lead one of these amazing institutions, but for now, I celebrate their progress and share my excitement for what’s still to come.

Here are some global health milestones that remind us just how far we’ve come and why the future is worth working for:

 

Milestones in Global Health

• Smallpox Eradicated 

A global vaccination campaign led by WHO resulted in the eradication of smallpox, the first disease to be wiped out completely.

• Antibiotics Revolution 

WHO began advising countries on responsible antibiotic use, ushering in a new era in the fight against infectious diseases.

• Polio Nearly Eradicated 

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reduced global polio cases by more than 99%.

• Tuberculosis Lives Saved 

Over 37 million lives were saved through diagnosis and treatment under WHO’s global TB strategy.

• Global Fund Created 

A powerful global partnership and financing mechanism was launched to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, hosted by WHO alongside key global stakeholders.

• Child Mortality Falls 

For the first time ever, in 2006, under-five mortality dropped below 10 million, thanks to better maternal care, immunisation, and nutrition.

• NCD Action Plan 

WHO member states set global targets to combat heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung diseases, bringing non-communicable diseases into global focus.

• Ebola Outbreak Response 

WHO led an unprecedented response to the West Africa Ebola crisis, deploying teams, equipment and mobile treatment centres. By 2016, the outbreak was declared over.

• COVID-19 Pandemic Response 

WHO declared COVID-19 a global emergency in early 2020. By May 2023, the pandemic emergency phase officially ended, though long-term threats remain.

• Rising Global Life Expectancy

Life expectancy has increased from 67 years in 2000 to 73.3 years in 2024, reflecting progress in essential health services and reduced exposure to risk factors like tobacco and poor nutrition.

 

Global Health Today: The Challenge Ahead

While we celebrate these wins, the future of global health remains complex:

• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) now cause nearly 75% of global deaths, and may rise to 86% by 2048.

• COVID-19 set back life expectancy and reversed over a decade of progress in just two years.

• Health inequity remains widespread, especially for migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities.

• One billion people live with obesity, while hundreds of millions remain undernourished or affected by stunting and wasting.

• “The world is off-track to meet the SDG targets on universal health coverage, emergency preparedness, and healthier populations by 2025.” - WHO

 

A Message of Hope and Gratitude

To everyone working in global health , thank you.

You’ve shown the world that health is a right, not a privilege. Your work continues to save lives, strengthen systems, and inspire change.

We’re cheering you on, and as the next generation steps in, we carry your vision forward with pride and purpose.

Thank you , we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

 

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). World Health Statistics 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/data/gho/publications/world-health-statistics

2. United Nations. (2024). Global Issues: Health. Retrieved from: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/health

3. WHO. (n.d.). Milestones in WHO's History. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/history

4. The Global Fund. (2024). Impact and Results. Retrieved from: https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/impact/

5. WHO. (2023). Statement on the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2023-statement-on-the-twenty-fifth-meeting-of-the-ihr-emergency-committee-regarding-the-covid-19-pandemic

6. UNICEF. (2023). Child Mortality Report. Retrieved from: https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/under-five-mortality/

7. WHO. (2019). Noncommunicable Diseases Progress Monitor. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/ncd-progress-monitor-2020