The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the slowing pace of global health progresses in its World Health Statistics Report 2025, which was released on Thursday.
The report highlighted that by the end of 2024, about 1.4 billion more people were living healthier life, surpassing the target of 1 billion, thanks to initiatives such as smoking control, improved air quality, and better basic health conditions.
However, data also revealed a concerning drop in global average life expectancy, which decreased by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021, marking the largest decline in modern history.
The report emphasized areas where progresses have been slower. Coverage of essential healthcare services and protection from health emergencies remain limited, and maternal and child mortality rates have not met expectations. Non-communicable diseases have continued to be the leading cause of death globally, with the burden of chronic conditions intensifying. Despite reductions in tobacco use and alcohol consumption, air pollution and mental health issues have remained barriers to overall progresses.
WHO warns of slowing global health progresses in report
WHO warns of slowing global health progresses in report
Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran early Friday, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, senior military leaders and research scientists in a major escalation against Tehran.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that its jets have completed the first-stage attack, notably strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address that the goal of the ongoing operation is "to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Iran's ballistic missile factories, and Iran's military capabilities," and will continue "for as many days as it takes."
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Deputy Army Commander Gholam-Ali Rashid were martyred as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported.
The Israeli airstrikes also killed two Iranian nuclear scientists, identified as Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, the report said. However, the Iranian side has denied reports that Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri was killed in the Israeli airstrikes, according to IRNA. A spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces said that Israel, with the support of the United States, launched attacks on many places in Iran, including residential areas, and will pay a "heavy price" for this, and await strong response from the Iranian armed forces.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and counties of Natanz, Khondab and Khorramabad, the Iranian state TV reported, adding that multiple casualties, including women and children, were reported in a residential building in Tehran.
Both Israel and Iran closed their airspace following the attack. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any U.S. assistance or involvement in the "unilateral" attack, adding that Israel had told Washington that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.
Earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive conflict" in the Middle East, saying that "I don't want them going in" as a new round of Oman-mediated negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Muscat Sunday.
"I want to have an agreement with Iran. We're fairly close to an agreement ... As long as I think there is an agreement, I don't want them going in because that would blow it," he told reporters in the White House.
Israel launches preemptive strike on Iran, killing military leaders
