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
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia holds the strategic initiative along the entire front lines and the goals of the country's special military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.
"The past year has been an important milestone in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said while addressing an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry.
Putin underscored that Russia has the capability to accelerate its offensive pace, adding that Russia's task of expanding the security buffer zone will be fulfilled, and the core goals of the operation will be realized.
"This year alone, more than 300 settlements have been liberated, including major cities that the enemy had turned into fortified strongholds equipped with long-term defensive structures," the Russian leader said.
He said that the Russian military currently holds the strategic initiative along the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front and is defeating Ukrainian forces, including elite Ukrainian units trained in the West.
Russia is currently seeking mutually beneficial and fair cooperation with the United States and European countries, Putin said.
Putin rejected claims portraying Russia as a threat to European nations, saying that such narratives are unfounded and fabricated.
Putin also announced that several submarines and surface ships have been commissioned into the Russian Navy this year, while the "Oreshnik" missile complex will enter combat duty by the end of 2025.
Russian military holds strategic initiative along entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front: Putin
