In 2025, the global health landscape has undergone significant transformations, marked by a decline in health financing and a pivot towards artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven care. From the impacts of climate change on health to groundbreaking discoveries in brain health, this year has been pivotal for the health sector.
A Decade of Health Gains at Risk
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Statistics 2025 report paints a grim picture, revealing that global life expectancy has decreased by 1.8 years between 2019 and 2021. This reversal highlights the fragility of health gains achieved over the past decade, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency of governmental action, stating,
“Health progress is slowing. Every government has a responsibility to act, with urgency, commitment and accountability to the people they serve.”
At the World Economic Forum’s 55th Annual Meeting in Davos, experts discussed the potential of cutting-edge technologies and data to enhance public health and life expectancy globally.
Climate Change: A Growing Health Threat
Climate change continues to exacerbate health risks, with rising temperatures pushing 12 of 20 key health threat indicators to record levels, according to the 2025 Lancet Countdown report. The January Forum report, developed with Oliver Wyman, estimates that climate-related health impacts could result in 14.5 million additional deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050.
However, strategic investments in prevention and novel treatments could save 6.5 million lives and mitigate $5.8 trillion in economic losses. The United Nations’ COP30 conference in November launched the Belém Health Action Plan, which received endorsements from 80 entities across 30 countries, marking a significant step towards resilient health systems.
AI’s Role in Transforming Healthcare
The adoption of AI in healthcare has surged in 2025, with significant applications in both public and private sectors. A report by the Forum and BCG, The Future of AI-Enabled Health: Leading the Way, outlines key AI applications and calls for six pivotal transitions to realize AI’s full potential in healthcare.
Trust remains a critical factor, as highlighted in a companion paper, Earning Trust for AI in Health: A Collaborative Path Forward, which proposes frameworks for building trust through regulatory sandboxes and quality assurance mechanisms.
Persistent Gender Health Gap
The gender health gap continues to be a pressing issue, but 2025 has seen a shift from awareness to action. The Global Alliance for Women’s Health, co-chaired by the Gates Foundation and Brazil’s Ministry of Health, launched the Women’s Health Impact Tracking Platform to address health disparities.
Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men, due to historical under-research and underfunding. Two key reports, Blueprint to Close the Women’s Health Gap and Prescription for Change, explore strategies to close this gap and its potential economic impact.
Workplace Wellbeing and Economic Impact
Investing in employee wellbeing could boost the global economy by $11.7 trillion, according to the Forum’s Thriving Workplaces report. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health at work, with only a quarter of workers in the US, UK, and Canada reporting job satisfaction.
The Forum’s Centre for Health and Healthcare is collaborating with partners to prioritize holistic workplace health, aiming to improve productivity and workforce health resilience.
Antimicrobial Resistance: A Looming Crisis
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat, with ‘superbugs’ killing an estimated 5 million people annually. Without intervention, AMR could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050. The Forum’s Global Future Council on Tackling AMR released the Davos Compact on AMR, outlining strategies for public and private sector engagement.
Noncommunicable Diseases: A Call for Action
The WHO’s report from the Fourth High-level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) highlights the economic benefits of investing $3 per person annually to tackle NCDs, potentially yielding $1 trillion by 2030. The report identifies 29 ‘best buys’ for preventing and managing major NCDs.
Pharmaceutical Advances in Obesity and Diabetes
Pharmaceutical companies have accelerated the development of GLP-1 agonists, achieving notable weight-loss results. These drugs have transformed from niche diabetes medications to key tools in combating obesity. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and addressing long-term sustainability.
Breakthroughs in Brain Health
Neurological conditions affect over 40% of the global population, yet only a third of countries have national policies to address these issues. The WHO’s report underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and treat neurological disorders, with dementia cases expected to rise significantly by 2050.
Nutrition and Longevity: Technology’s Impact
AI is revolutionizing nutrition by providing hyper-personalized dietary guidance and predicting chronic disease risks. Innovations such as Fay’s AI-powered nutrition platform and Bevel’s nutrition tracking tool highlight the potential for technology to improve health outcomes.
The Forum’s New Frontiers of Nutrition initiative, supported by Accenture, aims to create a sustainable, healthy food system by reformulating processed foods and promoting nutrient-rich diets.
As the world navigates these complex health challenges, the integration of technology, strategic investments, and global cooperation will be crucial in building resilient and equitable health systems for the future.
