𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 ‘𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤’ 𝐎𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟎 – 𝐖𝐇𝐎

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 ‘𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤’ 𝐎𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟎 – 𝐖𝐇𝐎

Reported by y Mafeng Gyang Adams | Sele Media Africa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the world is “severely off track” in meeting critical health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular conditions, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Speaking during a high-level briefing, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that urgent action is needed to reverse slow progress and safeguard millions of lives. He noted that NCDs remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 74% of all annual deaths, with most of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries. “Without accelerated efforts, many countries will not meet the 2030 targets on reducing premature deaths from NCDs, universal health coverage, and other key health indicators,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, set ambitious global health goals, including reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third, ensuring universal access to healthcare, and strengthening health systems worldwide. However, WHO data show that progress has been slowed by multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflicts, and economic instability, which have strained healthcare systems and widened inequalities. Experts warn that failure to act decisively could derail gains made in maternal and child health, disease prevention, and overall life expectancy. Dr. Ghebreyesus called for governments, civil society, and the private sector to scale up investment in preventive healthcare, strengthen primary health systems, and adopt policies that address risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Global ImpactAccording to the latest WHO progress reports, if current trends continue, the world will fall short of meeting not only NCD targets but also related health SDGs on universal health coverage, maternal health, and epidemic preparedness.The agency urges urgent reforms to put global health back on track, noting that timely action could save millions of lives and reduce the economic burden of preventable diseases.

Sources:World Health Organization – WHO: Noncommunicable diseases fact sheetUnited Nations – Sustainable Development GoalsWHO News Release – Global report on NCDs and health SDGs progress

About The Author

Mafeng Gyang Adams

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Mafeng Gyang Adams is a dedicated journalist and editorial strategist, serving as the News Editor at Sele Media Africa. With a sharp eye for headlines that matter and a passion for truth-driven storytelling, Mafeng leads the newsroom with clarity and purpose. He ensures that every report meets the highest editorial standards, delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news to audiences across Africa and beyond.

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