The World Health Statistics 2018, WHO’s annual snapshot of the state of the world’s health, highlights that while remarkable progress towards the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) has been made in some areas, in other areas progress has stalled and the gains that have been made could easily be lost.
“The latest edition of the World Health Statistics shows just how far we still have to go. Too many people are still dying of preventable diseases, too many people are being pushed into poverty to pay for health care out of their own pockets and too many people are unable to get the health services they need. This is unacceptable.”
Maternal mortality
Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
In 2015, there were 216 deaths per 100,000 live births (a drop of 44% from 1990); however, in 2013, over 40% of all pregnant women were still not receiving early antenatal care.
Tuberculosis
Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases
Incidence rate of tuberculosis have declined by 19% over the 16 year period from 2000 – 2016. But while progress is impressive, it is still not fast enough to close persistent gaps and drug-resistant TB is a continuing threat.
Universal health coverage
Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage
At least half the world’s population still do not have full coverage of essential health services and an estimated 97 million people were impoverished by out-of-pocket health-care spending in 2010.
WHO, then and now
Report: Statistics 2017: Monitoring health for the SDGs
For more information visit the WHO-Website.
Published in GI-Mail 07/2018 (German edition). Sign up for GI-Mail here. 
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