Amidst a year of unprecedented challenges, global health still managed to shine with remarkable breakthroughs. But here's where it gets controversial: While some celebrate these advancements, others question whether they're enough to offset the devastating impact of recent aid cuts and policy shifts. Let’s dive into the highlights—and the debates—that defined global health in 2025.
In Islamabad, Pakistan, a health worker administers the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to a student, a simple act with profound implications. This vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, saw a game-changing shift this year: a one-dose strategy gained widespread acceptance, replacing the previous three-dose regimen. And this is the part most people miss: Years of testing proved that one dose is highly effective for younger girls, while older girls benefit from two doses. This innovation not only reduces costs but also simplifies access, especially in regions where healthcare is hard to reach.
But 2025 wasn’t all good news. The global health landscape was shaken by the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and drastic cuts to U.S. aid. These changes had a catastrophic impact on programs combating diseases, providing free healthcare, and supporting maternal and child health. Other major players, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, also slashed their global health funding. Is this the beginning of a retreat from global health commitments?
Dr. Atul Gawande, former head of global health at USAID, paints a grim picture: "We're now closing in on 700,000 estimated deaths as a result of USAID's shutdown. We expect the first increase in child mortality since the 1960s—a setback of staggering proportions." Yet, the U.S. State Department counters that its new global health strategy is "groundbreaking," focusing on helping countries build self-sustaining healthcare systems. Who’s right? And what does this mean for the future of global health?
Despite the turmoil, 2025 saw notable progress. The Maldives became the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—a historic milestone. Brazil followed suit, becoming the largest country in the Americas to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Suriname, Timor-Leste, and Georgia were certified malaria-free, with Suriname earning extra praise as the first Amazonian country to achieve this feat. But here’s the catch: While these victories are inspiring, challenges like climate change, drug resistance, and reduced funding threaten to undo this progress.
One of the year’s most exciting developments was the approval of lenacapavir, an injectable drug that prevents HIV with a twice-yearly dose. In clinical trials, it was 100% effective in women and 96% effective in men. The controversial part? Some argue that its high cost and limited availability in low-income countries could exacerbate health inequities. Yet, the Global Fund’s announcement that lenacapavir will be introduced in low- and middle-income countries simultaneously with high-income nations marks a significant step toward global health equity.
In Bangladesh, a government survey revealed a decline in blood lead levels among children, thanks to education efforts and initiatives like Bloomberg Philanthropies’ lead prevention projects. Meanwhile, the HPV vaccine’s one-dose strategy was endorsed by 11 countries, making it more accessible than ever. But is this enough to reach the millions of girls still at risk of cervical cancer?
Finally, the launch of a hexavalent vaccine in Mauritania and Senegal—protecting against six diseases with fewer shots—and Africa’s new genomic data platform for pandemic preparedness highlight the potential of innovation. Yet, the question remains: Can these advancements outpace the challenges posed by funding cuts and global inequities?
As we look ahead, the future of global health hangs in the balance. What do you think? Are these breakthroughs cause for hope, or do they merely highlight the gaps in our global health system? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
