In 2015, the international community pledged to end epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030, setting ambitious goals for global health. This commitment, enshrined as the third goal in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), included achieving universal health coverage and ensuring access to safe and affordable medicines and vaccines for all.

While some progress was made in the initial five years following the pledge, including declines in newborn and child mortality and new HIV infections, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and other factors have significantly hampered efforts to meet the 2030 deadline. The proportion of the world's population with access to universal health care continued to rise, but at a slower pace than before 2015.

The SDGs represent a global consensus on the most pressing challenges facing humanity, including poverty, hunger, inequality, and climate change. The health-related goals reflect a recognition that health is both a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for sustainable development. Achieving these goals requires coordinated action by governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

The rise in malaria cases, as reported by various international health organizations, underscores the challenges in controlling infectious diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. Factors contributing to this increase include insecticide resistance, climate change, and disruptions to malaria control programs caused by the pandemic.

Despite the setbacks, global health experts remain committed to achieving the SDGs, emphasizing the need for increased investment in health systems, research and development, and innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment. The focus is now on accelerating progress in the remaining years, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.