KEEPING THE HOPE OF HEALTH FOR ALL ALIVE
This year was one marked by milestones and challenges in global public health. In May, I declared an end to Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. This was a turning point for the world after three years of crisis, pain and loss for people everywhere.
I am glad to see life has returned to normal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also announced that the Mpox outbreak no longer represented a global health emergency. And we approved new vaccines for malaria, dengue and meningitis — diseases that threaten millions around the world, and mainly the most vulnerable.
Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Belize were declared malaria-free, while a range of neglected tropical diseases were eliminated in multiple countries, including sleeping sickness in Ghana; trachoma in Benin, Mali and Iraq; and lymphatic filariasis in Bangladesh and Laos.
The path to eradicating another vaccinepreventable disease — polio — has reached its last mile. Meanwhile, 30 more countries introduced the HPV vaccine as the world advances towards eliminating cervical cancer.
The need to address the health effects of the climate crisis was elevated to the highest levels, with governments, scientists and advocates putting health prominently on the COP28 agenda, by issuing a global declaration on climate and health.
Heads of state at the UN General Assembly committed themselves to advancing universal health coverage, ending tuberculosis, and protecting the world from future pandemics.
Each of these achievements, as well as many more, demonstrates the power of science, solutions and solidarity to protect and promote health.
But this past year has also been one of immense and avoidable suffering, as well as threats to health.
The barbaric attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7 left about 1,300 people dead and more than 200 held hostage. Reported gender-based violence towards and mistreatment of hostages are deplorable.
The October 7 attacks were followed by a devastating offensive on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 20,000 people — mainly women and children — and injured in excess of 53,000.
At the same time, hospitals and health workers have repeatedly been attacked, while relief efforts are not coming close to meeting the needs of people. As of December 22, only nine out of 36 health facilities in Gaza were partially functional, with only four in the north offering the most basic services.
For this reason, we call again for an immediate ceasefire.
Sadly, war and armed hostilities have plagued too many other places around the world, including Sudan, Ukraine, Ethiopia and Myanmar — to name but a few.
I saw first-hand the suffering of war-weary people in northwest Syria who, like the communities I also visited in neighbouring Turkey, were devastated by the terrible earthquake in February.
Without peace, there is no health, and without health there can be no peace. Insecurity, poverty and lack of access to clean water and hygiene fanned the spread of infectious diseases in many countries.
The resurgence of cholera is especially concerning, with a record number of 40-plus outbreaks around the world. And in terms of emergency preparedness and response, gaps remain in the world’s readiness to prevent the next pandemic.
But next year offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges. Governments are negotiating the first-ever global agreement to protect communities, countries and the world from the threat posed by pandemics.
The Pandemic Accord is being designed to bridge the gaps in global collaboration, co-operation and equity. The accord represents a monumental effort by governments to create a safer and healthier world.
And as the WHO ends its 75th year as the “world’s” health organisation, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the health workers, partners and colleagues with us on our journey to achieve health for all. Lastly, during this holiday season I am sure everyone will join me in hoping the new year brings peace, health and prosperity to people all around the world.