For the next week, WHO’s Executive Board – which is convened twice a year to facilitate the work of the World Health Assembly – is meeting to discuss health issues that affect people around the world.
Here are some of them.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health
NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and others, account for over 75% of global mortality. The Executive Board will discuss progress and challenges in managing NCDs such as diabetes, oral health and mental health, and the need for accelerated global coordination. WHO supports countries in scaling up efforts in these areas. For example, by the end of 2024, vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) were introduced in at least 144 countries as a part of the effort to eliminate cervical cancer.
Skin diseases
In 2021, there were nearly 4.7 billion cases of skin diseases. These diseases, which are often associated with significant stigma and socioeconomic burdens, will be discussed by the Executive Board. Discussions will cover responses to infectious skin diseases and related infections, including mpox, leptospirosis and the increasing burden of sexually transmitted infections.
Social connection
The state of social connection and relationships impact physical and mental health. A lack of social connection is linked to a 30% higher risk of stroke and heart disease – and can also increase anxiety, depression and suicide risk. WHO has established a Global Commission on Social Connection, which plans to issue its first-ever report in June 2025.
Environmental health
Environmental factors, including chemicals, waste and pollution caused approximately 13.7 million deaths in 2016. Simple measures to reduce exposure to lead and other harmful substances, such as highly hazardous pesticides and mercury, can save lives and improve health. WHO’s Global Chemicals and Health Network, which includes over 80 countries, facilitates data exchange on chemical pollution, thereby protecting more communities from its dangerous effects.
Air pollution
Billions are exposed to air pollution, a major health risk. Air pollution systemically impacts the human body and increases the risks of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. The Executive Board will discuss strategies to enhance the global response to the adverse health impacts of air pollution. WHO’s air quality guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to help countries reduce air pollution and inform the public about the air quality levels where they live.
Health workforce
Over 70 million people are part of the global health workforce. Challenges include education, labour conditions and retention, particularly in countries with challenging socioeconomic conditions. One example of WHO’s work is the WHO Global Code on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, (Code) which outlines ethical international recruitment principles to strengthen health systems in developing countries, respecting the rights and needs of all involved.
Substandard and falsified medicines
An estimated 1 in 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified, and can cause severe side effects, antimicrobial resistance or even death. The Executive Board will discuss the work of the Member State mechanism to address this issue. WHO’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System allows countries to share data on substandard and falsified medical products. The platform recorded a nearly 60% rise in incidents in the last two years. Based on this system, WHO and countries issue rapid alerts to prevent the sale of harmful medicines before they reach the public, including children.
Maternal and newborn health
Tragically, 1 woman dies every 2 minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth, mostly from preventable causes. Additionally, millions of women suffer lasting health problems after birth, but often struggle to access quality care and support. WHO is working to strengthen health services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, focusing on ensuring high quality, respectful care for every pregnant woman and mother. With WHO assistance, 55 countries are developing acceleration plans to improve survival for women and babies around the world. Maternal and newborn health will be the focus of World Health Day 2025.
Health emergencies
WHO serves people in emergency situations, such as disease outbreaks, disasters, and conflicts, wherever they may occur. In 2024, WHO provided aid to millions of people facing health emergencies in 87 countries and territories – including Gaza, Haiti, Sudan and Ukraine. WHO works with 900 partners across the world, coordinating the health emergency response on the ground. Climate-related health emergencies are increasing, accounting for 56% of all public health emergencies in Africa from 2001 to 2021.
Health for All/universal health coverage
Half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services and billions more face financial hardship because of health-care costs. A significant barrier is the insufficient implementation of health policies that support robust primary health care systems and financial protection. The Universal Health Coverage Partnership, a collaboration between WHO and donors, assists ministries of health in 125 countries in reforming and strengthening health policies, reaching a population of over 3 billion people.