The Healthier Hearts Foundation acknowledges the strides made in global health improvement, with notable achievements such as the significant reduction in under-5 mortality rates and the substantial decline in AIDS-related deaths due to effective HIV treatment. Encouragingly, several countries have successfully eradicated neglected tropical diseases. However, critical challenges persist, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and ensuring universal health coverage. Shockingly, 800 women succumb daily to pregnancy or childbirth complications, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to setbacks such as a drastic decline in childhood vaccinations and increased mortality from tuberculosis and malaria. To surmount these challenges and fortify healthcare systems, increased investment and robust support are imperative to foster recovery and resilience against future health crises
In recent years, strides have been made in improving global health, with noteworthy achievements in areas such as under-5 mortality and HIV treatment. For instance, 146 out of 200 countries are either meeting or are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target on under-5 mortality. Effective HIV treatment has contributed to a 52% reduction in global AIDS-related deaths since 2010, and neglected tropical diseases have been eliminated in 47 countries.
However, substantial challenges persist, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal health coverage. Globally, approximately 800 women die every day from pregnancy-related causes, and millions are pushed into extreme poverty due to out-of-pocket health expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic and other ongoing crises have further hindered progress, leading to declines in childhood vaccinations and increases in tuberculosis and malaria deaths compared to pre-pandemic levels.
To address these setbacks and long-standing healthcare shortcomings, increased investment in health systems is imperative. Stagnating progress in reducing maternal mortality is especially concerning, with preventable deaths occurring every two minutes. The global maternal mortality ratio marginally declined from 2015 to 2020, but at a significantly slower rate compared to previous years. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions in this region.
Despite challenges, progress continues in reproductive health, with falling adolescent birth rates and increased access to contraception. However, child mortality rates, though showing a significant decline, remain high, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Accelerating progress is necessary to meet SDG targets on child mortality.
The alarming decline in childhood vaccination rates poses a threat, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases. Similarly, intersecting crises have disrupted efforts to combat heart disease, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. Access to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased incidence and deaths.
Furthermore, progress towards universal health coverage has slowed, with financial hardship rising. Despite increases in the global health workforce, disparities persist, particularly in regions with the highest disease burden. However, driven by COVID-19, official development assistance for basic health has doubled since 2015, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of global health initiatives.
In conclusion, while there have been notable advancements in global health, concerted efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges and accelerate progress towards achieving health-related SDG targets. This requires sustained investment, targeted interventions, and collaborative action at local, regional, and global levels.
