The world is on track to miss its health targets
The 2026 World Health Organization report indicates that global progress on key health targets is uneven and too slow to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. While some improvements have been made, backsliding in areas like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and child malnutrition highlights systemic challenges. Disruptions from the pandemic, misinformation, and drug resistance are exacerbating the situation.
- ▪In 2024, there were an estimated 1.3 million new HIV cases, falling short of the 90% reduction target by 2030.
- ▪Tuberculosis cases have only decreased by 12% since 2015, far below the 80% reduction goal, with a 13% increase in the Americas.
- ▪Malaria cases rose by 8.5% in 2024, reaching 282 million globally, hindered by drug and insecticide resistance and climate change.
- ▪An estimated 42.8 million children suffered from wasting in 2024, while 5.5% were overweight, both missing 2030 nutrition targets.
- ▪Childhood vaccination coverage has declined in the Americas since 2015, with global measles vaccine coverage at only 76%, well below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Biotechnology and healthThe world is on track to miss its health targetsProgress in tackling some of the big killers is backsliding, putting the health of millions at risk. By Jessica Hamzelouarchive pageMay 15, 2026Stephanie Arnett/MIT Technology Review | Getty Images Every year the World Health Organization publishes a global health statistics report. It features the numbers behind world health trends and, importantly, assesses whether we’re on track to reach ambitious goals set in 2015. It’s a bit like a health grade. The 2026 report was published on Wednesday. And the results aren’t looking brilliant. While we are seeing some improvements, they are uneven, and they’re far too slow.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at MIT Technology Review.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from MIT Technology Review
