WHO looks back at 2024

NCDs, which cost countries trillions of dollars in lost productivity and health-care expenses, disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. Unless NCDs are urgently addressed, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved. In recognition of the enormous challenges NCDs pose to all countries, the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases will be convened in 2025. The aim will be to accelerate the global response to the prevention and control of NCDs by strengthening health systems and reorienting them towards primary health care and to meet the SDGs by 2030.

Nearly 1.8 billion adults worldwide are at risk of developing serious diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers as a result of insufficient physical activity, according to new data. Collective efforts based on partnerships between government and nongovernmental stakeholders and increased investments in innovative approaches will be needed to reach the least active people and to reduce inequalities in access to measures that promote and improve physical activity.

WHO’s Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders highlighted that there were 2.6 million deaths from alcohol and 0.6 million from drug use in 2019, alongside significant societal impacts of alcohol consumption, including injuries, violence, and increased risks of chronic and infectious diseases. The report sets out the actions urgently needed to reduce substance use and expand treatment through prevention, improved systems of care, and advocacy.

The first-ever global drowning status report was published in 2024, showing a 38% decrease in deaths from drowning worldwide since the year 2000 – a major achievement in global health.

Neurological conditions are now the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, with more than 1 in 3 people affected by these conditions (such as migraine, stroke and dementia). New data highlight the impact of growing inequality in access to treatment, with more than 80% of neurological deaths and loss of health occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Hunger remains a serious problem worldwide. A new report, The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2024, contains the latest information on hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition continue to be conflict, climate variability, and economic slowdowns and downturns.

New data released this year showed an alarming rise in diabetes over the past three decades, which also reflects the increase in obesity. The data show that one in eight people are now living with obesity, and the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has surpassed 800 million.

The first ever Global Report on the Commercial Determinants of Health will be launched in 2025 to support countries in addressing the commercial practices that act as barriers to action on NCDs.