WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reflects on the progress and challenges of 2025, arguing that international cooperation is essential to protect global health in 2026 and beyond. He highlights major milestones like the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and advancements in immunisation, which have significantly reduced global under-five mortality and measles deaths. However, he warns that progress remains fragile, with 4.6 billion people still lacking essential health services and ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine straining resources. Looking ahead, Dr. Tedros calls for a commitment to universal health coverage and the integration of digital innovations, such as AI, to bridge healthcare gaps in rural and remote settings.
Date: January 9, 2026 Source: aljazeera.com