Reflecting on the year 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Chad, highlighting the plight of Sudanese refugees seeking safety and aid. This year saw significant strides in global health, with several countries successfully eliminating neglected diseases, marking crucial milestones in disease prevention and control.
In 2024, Egypt achieved malaria-free status after a century-long battle, while Cabo Verde joined the ranks of malaria-free nations. The Region of the Americas was reverified as measles-free, and maternal and neonatal tetanus were eliminated in Guinea. Moreover, strides were made in eradicating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in various countries like Belize, Jamaica, and Namibia, showcasing the collective efforts towards global health promotion.
The year also saw a focus on combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges. The Global Report on Trends in Tobacco Use highlighted progress in reducing tobacco users globally, but challenges persist, particularly among youth. NCDs pose a significant economic burden, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, necessitating urgent action to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Efforts to address NCDs culminated in the Fourth High-level Meeting on NCDs, slated for 2025, aiming to bolster health systems and align strategies with primary healthcare goals. The rise in diabetes and obesity underscored the need for innovative interventions and global cooperation to promote physical activity and combat substance abuse.
Antimicrobial resistance emerged as a key global health concern in 2024, prompting world leaders to commit to reducing the death toll from drug-resistant bacteria. Resolutions adopted at the World Health Assembly emphasized the need for decisive action on climate change, social participation in health decisions, and economic alignment with health priorities.
Celebrating a life-saving milestone, global immunization efforts since the inception of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1974 have saved millions of lives. New vaccine introductions and advancements in disease prevention herald a future of improved health outcomes worldwide.
Strengthening global health security remained a focal point, with Member States amending the International Health Regulations to enhance pandemic preparedness. Negotiations for a global pandemic agreement underscored the urgency of international cooperation in preventing and responding to health crises.
WHO’s Transformation Agenda continued in 2024, emphasizing sustainable financing and operational efficiency to empower country offices in delivering impactful health interventions. The Academy campus in Lyon and efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation further exemplified WHO’s commitment to advancing global health.
As the year concluded, WHO expressed gratitude to partners, donors, and health workers for their unwavering support. The achievements of 2024 set the stage for a healthier, more resilient future, underlining the importance of collective action in safeguarding global health.
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