Triple Billion Targets and Inequalities in Immunization Updated for 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its World Health Statistics Report 2025, revealing the more profound health impacts on loss of lives, longevity, and overall health and well-being. 

As of May 15, 2025, this WHO report presents mixed progress toward the WHO’s Triple Billion targets. An estimated 1.4 billion more people were living healthier by the end of 2024, surpassing the 1 billion target.

The major contributors to the 5.4-year pre-pandemic increase in global healthy life expectancy at birth between 2000 (58.1 years) and 2019 (63.5 years) were mortality reduction from communicable and perinatal conditions among children under 5 years, and from noncommunicable diseases among those 30 years and older.

For example, HIV and TB incidence rates are falling, and fewer people need treatment for neglected tropical diseases.

However, this report stated, 'Increased levels of anxiety and depression linked to the recent pandemic reduced global healthy life expectancy by six weeks, erasing most of the gains made from lower mortality due to noncommunicable diseases during the same period.'

Premature deaths from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are rising, driven by population growth and aging, and now account for most deaths among people under the age of 70 worldwide.

The world is currently off track to reduce premature mortality from these diseases by one-third by 2030.

Furthermore, achieving equity in immunization coverage requires focused attention on urban poor areas, remote/ rural areas, conflict areas, and gender-related inequities and barriers.

Dr Samira Asma, WHO Assistant Director-General for Data, Analytics and Delivery for Impact, commented in a media statement, “Together, we can achieve a world where data is timelier and more accurate, programmes improve continuously, and premature deaths become rare."

"Every country can deliver measurable gains with speed, scale, and smart investments.”