The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fresh concerns over critical global health challenges, highlighting gaps in the management of hypertension, autism research, contraception access, and rabies prevention.
A new WHO report reveals that 1.4 billion people are living with hypertension, yet only one in five have the condition under control.
The agency warns that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading driver of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia, stressing that millions risk premature death without urgent intervention.
On maternal health, WHO emphasised that there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking the use of paracetamol during pregnancy to autism.
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Autism spectrum disorder affects an estimated 62 million people worldwide, but its causes remain uncertain and are likely influenced by multiple factors.
The organisation urged expectant mothers to follow medical advice and exercise caution with all medicines during pregnancy.
The agency also reported that 257 million women of reproductive age have an unmet need for contraception, citing barriers such as limited access, lack of choice, cultural opposition, and fear of side effects.
WHO stressed that expanding access to safe and effective contraceptives is essential for empowering women and reducing unintended pregnancies.
In addition, rabies remains a preventable yet deadly threat, killing one person every nine minutes – with children under 15 accounting for 40% of victims.
WHO reiterated that widespread dog vaccination and improved bite prevention could eliminate human rabies cases.
The organisation has called on governments, health systems, and communities to strengthen responses across these pressing health areas to prevent avoidable deaths and reduce long-term economic and social costs.
