WHO Spearheads Global Health Initiatives in 2025
WHO’s Strategic Role in Global Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to serve as the world’s premier international health authority, coordinating responses to health emergencies and setting standards for public health worldwide. In 2025, the organisation has taken decisive steps to address both ongoing health challenges and emerging threats, demonstrating its vital importance in an interconnected world where disease knows no borders.
New Unified Coronavirus Management Strategy
WHO has released a new strategic plan for managing coronavirus disease threats, including COVID-19 and MERS-CoV, marking the first unified approach and a turning point from emergency response to sustained, long-term management. WHO has also expanded its Coronavirus Network (CoViNet), a network of disease surveillance programmes and reference laboratories for SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and emerging coronaviruses of public health significance. This comprehensive strategy covers both routine management and emergency scenarios, reflecting the flexibility national systems need to address current and future coronavirus threats.
Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage
A new joint report from WHO and the World Bank Group reveals that most countries across all income levels and regions have made concurrent progress in expanding health service coverage and reducing financial hardship associated with health costs since 2000. Health service coverage, measured by the Service Coverage Index (SCI), rose from 54 to 71 points between 2000 and 2023. However, challenges remain, particularly for the poorest populations.
Historic World Health Assembly Achievements
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the 2025 World Health Assembly as ‘historic’ and ‘landmark’, noting the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and increased assessed contributions as signs of global cooperation. The Assembly addressed approximately 75 health items, adopting consequential resolutions on antimicrobial resistance, climate action, traditional medicine, and digital health.
Significance for Global Health Security
WHO’s continued leadership remains essential for addressing transnational health challenges that no single country can tackle alone. The organisation’s expanded surveillance networks, evidence-based guidelines, and coordination mechanisms provide the foundation for protecting populations worldwide from health threats whilst advancing universal access to quality healthcare.