A landmark report published in The Lancet warns that millions of women, children, and adolescents remain at serious risk unless access to quality health services is urgently improved. The 2025 report of the Lancet Countdown to 2030 reveals that many countries—especially low- and middle-income ones—are not on track to meet global health goals for this vulnerable population.

Major barriers undermining progress
Developed by global health experts and researchers from multiple countries, the report outlines major barriers including poor access to healthcare, weak health systems, and insufficient funding. It also notes a notable slowdown in progress since 2015, despite efforts to meet the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia hit hardest
Among the regions most severely affected are sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, which together account for 99% of maternal deaths and 98% of child and adolescent deaths globally. These regions continue to carry the heaviest burden of maternal and child mortality.

Analyzing the health landscape
The report presents detailed data across three areas: contextual factors, mortality, causes of death, and nutritional status, and coverage, equity, and service quality. The authors then identify priority actions needed to accelerate progress, especially in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and nutrition.

While some positive trends—like increased access to select health services and nutrition programs—are noted, deep inequities persist, particularly in communities affected by poverty or conflict. Access to essential interventions remains unequal, and many are still underserved.

The Five 'S's for progress
To get back on track, the authors concluded with a strong call for action focused around five key priorities, referred to as the “five S’s” for progress in RMNCAH and nutrition: (i) Sub-Saharan Africa-focused strategies; (ii) Strengthening health systems; (iii) Safeguarding progress against crises and inequalities; (iv) Supporting robust data, monitoring, and accountability; and (v) Stimulating integration of RMNCAH and nutrition.

Ifakara scientist contributes to the report
Contributing to the report is Dr. Peter Binyaruka, a Senior Health Economist at Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, who, along with 72 global experts played a role in this important effort to highlight and guide urgent global health action.

Read the report here.