COHSASA intensifies healthcare quality drive as WHO warns 2030 SDG targets are off track

SOUTH AFRICA—Organizations such as COHSASA are likely to intensify their efforts after the release of the latest World Health Statistics 2026 report, which warns that global health gains remain fragile and uneven.

According to the WHO report, the world is currently off track to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, as progress has slowed in several critical areas while some indicators continue to reverse.

WHO noted that stronger healthcare systems, sustainable financing, and reliable health data systems are urgently needed to preserve earlier gains and improve healthcare access worldwide.

Africa records progress in HIV and tuberculosis control

Despite growing concerns, the report highlights several important improvements achieved over the past decade.

Globally, new HIV infections declined by 40% between 2010 and 2024, while the number of people requiring interventions for neglected tropical diseases dropped by 36% during the same period.

Access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene services, and safer cooking solutions also expanded significantly worldwide.

The WHO African Region outperformed global averages in reducing both HIV and tuberculosis infections.

HIV infections in the region fell by 70%, while tuberculosis cases declined by 28%, reflecting sustained investments in disease prevention, diagnostics, and treatment programmes.

In addition, the WHO recently reported measurable health improvements linked to expanded health services, stronger sanitation systems, and a growing healthcare workforce despite funding constraints affecting several countries.

The organization estimated that 567 million additional people gained access to essential health services in 2025 compared with previous years.

Rising costs and weak data systems remain major challenges

However, the WHO warned that several public health threats continue to undermine progress.

Malaria incidence has risen by 8.5% since 2015, while childhood vaccination coverage remains below target in many regions.

At the same time, progress toward universal health coverage has slowed considerably, with millions of people still struggling to afford healthcare services.

The report revealed that one quarter of the global population experienced financial hardship due to healthcare expenses, while approximately 1.6 billion people were pushed deeper into poverty because of out-of-pocket medical costs in 2022.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the findings reflect “both progress and persistent inequality,” particularly among women, children, and underserved communities that continue to face barriers to essential healthcare services.

The report also highlighted major weaknesses in global health information systems.

By the end of 2025, only 18% of countries reported mortality data to WHO within one year, while just one third met WHO standards for high-quality mortality reporting.

These gaps continue to limit governments’ ability to monitor disease trends, respond quickly to outbreaks, and improve accountability across healthcare systems.

Accreditation and quality improvement gain importance

For organizations such as COHSASA, the WHO findings reinforce the growing importance of healthcare accreditation, quality assurance, and data-driven improvement strategies across hospitals and health facilities.

Structured quality improvement programmes increasingly help healthcare institutions strengthen patient safety, improve clinical outcomes, and standardize service delivery.

WHO also emphasized that stronger digital health systems and improved reporting standards will play a critical role in helping countries collect, analyze, and use healthcare data more effectively as pressure on global health systems continues to grow.