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
China has always been a reliable friend to Latin American and Caribbean countries and stands ready to work with regional countries, including Brazil, to further deepen and expand overall China-Latin America cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during the fifth China-Brazil Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Beijing.
Wang said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have become increasingly global, strategic and far-reaching in influence.
"Practical cooperation across all fields has been steadily upgraded, and the two peoples have never been closer," he added.
Wang said the two sides should fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to advance the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, jointly counter various external challenges, and build greater synergy for each other's modernization drives and the unity and self-improvement of Global South countries.
Noting that China appreciates the Brazilian government's long-standing commitment to the one-China principle, Wang said China supports Brazil in safeguarding its national sovereignty, upholding independence and autonomy, and achieving greater development.
The two sides should advance exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, tourism, sports, sub-national areas, youth, media and other fields, Wang said, adding that it is important to strengthen communication and coordination under multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations and BRICS, earnestly implement the four major global initiatives, and promote the development of a more just and equitable global governance system.
Vieira stated that Brazil will always adhere to the one-China principle. He said Brazil looks forward to consolidating strategic mutual trust with China, deepening practical cooperation, cementing public support for bilateral ties, and achieving common prosperity.
Noting that both Brazil and China are important forces championing multilateralism and free trade, Vieira said Brazil is ready to work with China to enhance multilateral coordination, jointly advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and promote international fairness and justice.
China ready to work with Brazil to further expand overall China-Latin America cooperation: Chinese FM
China ready to work with Brazil to further expand overall China-Latin America cooperation: Chinese FM
