2020 was a challenging year for tackling global health issues. As every country is struggling to both tackle COVID-19, and provide people with vital care. In another word, the pandemic threatens hard-won global health progress achieved over the past two decades – in fighting infectious diseases and maternal and child health.

So in 2021, though the vaccines are evolving but countries around the world will need to continue battle COVID-19, need to move swiftly to repair and reinforce their health systems. So, Here is the list of 10 health issues to track in 2021 for which WHO and its partners will work building strong health systems and healthy populations globally.

1. Build global solidarity for worldwide health security: the coronavirus pandemic has shown that no one is safe until everyone is safe. Thus, to combat emergencies like COVID 19, WHO will work with countries to improve their preparedness.

2. Speed up access to COVID-19 tests, medicines and vaccines: WHO said, its top priority in 2021 will be to continue work across the four pillars of the ACT- Accelerator, to achieve equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, tests, and treatments and to ensure that health systems are strong enough to deliver them.

3. Advance health for all: In 2021, all three levels of the Organization and partners worldwide help countries to strengthen systems so that they can respond to COVID-19 and deliver all the essential health services required to keep people of all ages healthy – close to home and without falling into poverty, WHO said. Also, a global campaign to strengthen the global health workforce in 2021, the Year of the Health and Care Worker will lead by WHO.

4. Tackling health inequities: In 2021 WHO will work with countries to monitor and address health inequities related to critical issues such as income, gender, ethnicity, living in remote rural areas or disadvantaged urban areas, education, occupation/employment conditions, and disability. On World Health Day, 7 April 2021, WHO will call for global action to address health inequities.

5. Provide global leadership on science and data: To improve global health, WHO will monitor and evaluate the latest scientific developments around COVID-19 and beyond and identify those opportunities to harness the advancements.

6. Revitalize efforts to tackle communicable diseases: WHO said it will work with partners to implement the new 10-year Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with its global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate 20 NTDs and intensify its efforts to end AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria and to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

7. Combat drug resistance: WHO will further improve global monitoring and continue support to national action plans, to strengthen health emergencies preparedness plan.

8. Prevent and treat NCDs and mental health conditions: WHO will support efforts to expand services for community-based mental health care and to people living in conflict- or disaster-affected areas.

9. Build back better: In 2021, WHO said, it will work for goals of addressing climate change and health, reducing air pollution, and improving air quality.

10. Act in solidarity: In 2021, working with youth groups, strengthening and expanding partnerships with civil society and the private sector will be the main focus of WHO.

Information source: https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/10-global-health-issues-to-track-in-2021