WHO results report shows global health achievements despite COVID-19 pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization 2020-2021 Results Report monitors the significant achievements of the WHO across the global health spectrum. Published ahead of next week’s World Health Assembly, the report describes such achievements as delivering more than 1.4 billion doses of vaccine via COVAX institutions, a recommendation for the widespread use of the world’s first malaria vaccine, and a WHO response to about 87 health emergencies, including COVID-19.

During 2020-2021, the WHO led the largest global response to the health crisis, working with 1,600 technical and operational partners, and helping to drive the largest, fastest, and most complex vaccination campaign in history. The organization spent $ 1.7 billion on basic supplies to respond to COVID-19.

“Even as the WHO has responded to the most serious global health crisis in a century, we have continued to support our Member States in addressing many other health threats, despite reduced budgets and service disruptions,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General. .

“As the world continues to respond to and recover from the pandemic in the years ahead, the WHO’s priority is to invest even more in our work in countries where it is most important,” he continued. “Ensuring that WHO has sustainable, predictable and flexible funding is key to fulfilling our mission of promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable.”

The ACT-A partnership delivered more than a billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by January 2022. The global introduction of key health materials included personal protective equipment worth nearly $ 500 million; $ 187 million in oxygen supplies, $ 4.8 million in treatments and 110 million diagnostic tests.

However, much remains to be done to get the world on track towards the WHO goal of having each country vaccinate 70% of its population by July 2022.

The impact of the WHO outside the pandemic

The results report reveals significant post-pandemic achievements. Mandatory policies banning the use of trans fatty acids (a dangerous food compound linked to cardiovascular disease) are in place for 3.2 billion people in 58 countries. Among these countries, 40 have best practice policies, including Brazil, Peru, Singapore, Turkey and the United Kingdom. WHO REPLACEMENT initiative aims for a world free of trans fats by the end of 2023.

Thanks to the implementation of measures prescribed by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco use is declining in 150 countries, saving lives and livelihoods.

Due to efforts to increase life-saving interventions according to WHO guidelines, 15 countries have achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and / or syphilis.

And the WHO recommendation on the widespread use of the world’s first malaria vaccine (RTS, S) has been delivered to more than a million children. It is expected to save 40,000 to 80,000 lives a year, when used with other malaria control interventions.

A voice for health justice

The report shows the key role of the WHO as a global health watchdog, advocating for health justice in a world of growing inequalities.

The heavy costs of the pandemic were felt everywhere. The report shows a world that has clearly deviated even further from the path to achieving key global health goals. Due to the myriad disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have lagged behind WHO “three billion goals” that provide key pathways to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Progress in general health coverage and a healthier population is about a quarter or less of the pace needed to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals, and no country has been fully prepared for a pandemic of this magnitude.

COVID-19 also caused major disruptions in health services: 117 of the 127 countries surveyed reported disruption in at least one primary health service due to COVID, while the average disruption in those countries was a staggering 45%.

In the future, meeting the three billion targets will be the main goal of the WHO, as a measurable means of reducing the health gap.

The key role of sustainable financing

The results report details the WHO’s efforts towards transparency and accountability, providing details on expenditure. WHO Program Budget for 2020-2021 amounted to $ 5,840.4 million. In fact, funding reached $ 7,916 million due to COVID-19 emergency operations. The surplus was due to the generosity of donors, including 12 Member States, which contributed approximately 71% of total funding.

However, most WHO funding is provided by donors through certain voluntary contributions. Flexible funds accounted for only 20% of total funding in the period 2020-2021.

If the WHO is to play its full role in achieving the SDG, achieving general health coverage, reducing the burden of ill health and protecting another billion people from health emergencies, the share of regular, stable, predictable funding must increase.

Note for editors

COVAX su-water I took, Gavi and WHO, along with a key delivery partner UNICEF. In America, PAHO Revolving Fund is a recognized procurement agent for COVAX.

WHO Three billion goals, by 2023: 1 billion more people are using universal health coverage; 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies; Another 1 billion people enjoy better health and well-being.