WHO - World Health Statistics 2023

The World Health Statistics 2023 report provides a comprehensive overview of global health trends and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlights both positive developments and persistent challenges in population health. One of the key findings is that there have been significant improvements in population health globally since the start of the millennium. Maternal and child mortality rates have declined, and there has been progress in combating major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. However, the burden of NCDs continues to rise, posing a significant challenge to global health. The report also sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had far-reaching consequences on health systems and populations worldwide. It discusses the importance of addressing the pandemic's immediate and long-term effects on health, as well as the need for preparedness and response measures to mitigate future health crises. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the interconnection between health and environmental factors, particularly climate change. It underscores the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on health, as well as the importance of adopting sustainable practices to safeguard population well-being. In terms of monitoring progress towards the SDGs, the report presents global and regional trends in various health-related indicators. It covers areas such as infectious diseases, child malnutrition, injuries and violence, environmental risks, and universal health coverage (UHC) and health systems. The report also includes country-focused stories that highlight efforts undertaken to address specific health issues. It is important to note that the information presented in the report is based on data available as of late April 2023 and has been compiled from databases managed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations partner entities, as well as peer-reviewed publications. Overall, the World Health Statistics 2023 report underscores the importance of monitoring health for the SDGs and taking collective action to address the remaining gaps and challenges in global health. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in their efforts to improve population health and achieve sustainable development.