By Hajara Abdullahi
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for renewed commitment from governments, stakeholders, and communities to tackle persistent global health challenges.
The international organisation made the call on Tuesday in a post on its website to mark World Health Day 2026, themed: “Together for health: Stand with science.”
According to WHO, the global maternal mortality rate has declined by more than 40 per cent since 2000, while deaths among children under five have dropped by over 50 per cent. It added that diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and tuberculosis have been significantly curbed worldwide through both preventive and curative interventions.
The organisation noted that human health has witnessed remarkable transformation over the decades, driven by advances in research and technology that have provided solutions to previously life-threatening conditions. However, it warned that health threats continue to rise globally, fuelled by climate change, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demographics.
Citing the World Bank’s 2025 annual report, WHO stated that an estimated 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services, while 2.1 billion people face financial hardship in accessing healthcare. This includes 1.6 billion people who are either living in poverty or pushed deeper into it due to health-related expenses.
In developing countries such as Nigeria, these challenges remain persistent due to overstretched and poorly equipped healthcare systems, as well as longstanding issues of corruption in public service. With about 139 million people living in multidimensional poverty as of 2025, access to quality healthcare continues to remain out of reach for many.