A Glimpse into the Future: WHO Reflects on 2024

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which incur trillions of dollars in losses from productivity and healthcare costs for nations, significantly impact low- and middle-income nations. Without immediate action on NCDs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will remain unachievable. Acknowledging the vast challenges posed by NCDs to all nations, the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly focused on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases is scheduled for 2025. The goal will be to enhance the global reaction to the prevention and management of NCDs by fortifying health systems and pivoting them towards primary healthcare, aiming to attain the SDGs by 2030.

Globally, nearly 1.8 billion adults are at risk of developing severe ailments such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers due to inadequate physical activity, as per recent statistics. Coordinated efforts founded on collaborations between governmental and non-governmental entities, along with increased funding in innovative methods, will be essential to reach the least active individuals and mitigate disparities in access to initiatives promoting and enhancing physical activity.

The World Health Organization’s Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders revealed that in 2019, there were 2.6 million fatalities due to alcohol and 0.6 million due to drug use, in addition to significant societal ramifications caused by alcohol consumption, including injuries, violence, and heightened susceptibility to chronic and infectious diseases. The report outlines the critical actions needed to diminish substance use and broaden treatment through prevention, optimized care systems, and advocacy.

The inaugural global drowning status report published in 2024 indicated a 38% reduction in drowning deaths worldwide since 2000 – a significant milestone in global health.

Neurological disorders have emerged as the foremost cause of illness and disability globally, with over one-third of the population being affected by conditions like migraines, strokes, and dementia. Recent data underscore the growing inequality in treatment access, revealing that more than 80% of deaths and health losses attributed to neurological conditions occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Hunger continues to pose a critical challenge on a global scale. A recent publication, The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2024, offers the latest insights regarding hunger, food inadequacy, and malnutrition. Primary factors contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition persist as conflicts, climate fluctuations, and economic slowdowns and downturns.

Recent statistics this year showcased a disturbing rise in diabetes incidence over the last thirty years, which is also indicative of the growing obesity epidemic. The data indicates that one in eight individuals now experience obesity, and the global count of adults living with diabetes has exceeded 800 million.

The first-ever Global Report on the Commercial Determinants of Health is set to be launched in 2025 to assist nations in tackling the commercial practices that pose obstacles in addressing NCDs.