INTRODUCTIONS 1.2
of humanitarian assistance we must elevate mental health and psychosocial care in humanitarian settings where the pressures are immense and the needs often overlooked and underfunded. The Covid-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of even the strongest systems, and misinformation corroded trust in science and institutions. Immunisation programmes were disrupted, non-communicable diseases increased unchecked and preventable deaths in conflict zones mounted. These cascading crises show that health is both the mirror of our crises and the foundation of our future. Yet there has been progress: since 2015, the world has seen a 14% decline in maternal mortality and a 16% drop in under-five mortality – clear signs that collective investment in health saves lives and moves us closer to achieving SDG 3. This year has also brought pivotal developments. In May, World Health Organization member states adopted the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark in global health governance. After difficult negotiations, this showed that cooperation is possible when urgency is matched with solidarity. It must now be implemented with ambition and equity, ensuring that preparedness, response and access to tools are not determined by geography or income. In July, governments gathered in Seville for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, where they adopted the Sevilla Commitment. It reaffirms that closing the financing gap for the SDGs is inseparable from realising universal health coverage. The commitment calls for predictable financing, stronger domestic resource mobilisation and reforms to the international financial system so countries can build resilient health and social protection systems. UNIVERSAL COVERAGE AS THE FOUNDATION OF RESILIENCE What is needed is solidarity-based investment, a reset of the global health financing system that works hand in hand with national governments – aligning behind their priorities and strengthening the resilience of their health systems to respond to critical challenges, ensuring no community is left behind.
Health at the heart of a fairer future From conflict to climate shocks, inequality to misinformation, the choices made today will decide whether universal health coverage is an unfulfilled promise or becomes a reality
H ealth is an inalienable still denied their basic right to medical care and well-being. As 2025 draws to a close, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Climate shocks, violent conflict, economic instability, disinformation and widening inequalities are fragmenting societies and slowing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The choices leaders make now will determine whether health becomes imperative for sustainable development or remains a casualty of systemic failure. right and the foundation of human dignity and global security. Yet in every corner of the world, millions are
Amina J Mohammed, deputy secretary-general, United Nations
The evidence is clear. The climate emergency is driving food insecurity and spreading disease. Conflicts are destroying health infrastructure, displacing millions and leaving populations without access to vaccines and essential medicines. Too often the world forgets that the head is attached to the body – with more than 300 million people in need
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Health: A Political Choice – The Future of Health in a Fractured World
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