Progress on global health ‘in peril’, says UN Chief  

Global health has become the number one priority in this post-pandemic era for countries around the world, who have been heavily investing in healthcare that can support futuristic needs. However, the United Nations has stated that progress related to public health is in danger. While addressing the annual opening of the World Health Assembly, UN chief Antonio Guterres said, “Global life expectancy – up over 50 percent; Infant mortality – down sixty percent in 30 years; smallpox – eradicated; And polio on the verge of extinction. But progress is in peril. War and conflict threaten millions. The health of billions is endangered by the climate crisis.”   

Guterres, however, also added that it is possible to return to the “path of progress” of nations around the world and extend cooperation to each other. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to prepare for future pandemics, climate dangers and other possible health threats of the future. WHO Director-General Tedros, on the other hand, talked about global health security and said, “We simply cannot carry on as we did before. This is the moment for us to write a new chapter in global health history, together.”