WHO Releases 2024 Health and Environment Scorecards for 194 Nations

On July 24, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled its 2024 update of health and environment scorecards for 194 countries, highlighting the management of eight critical environmental threats to public health. These threats encompass air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation, climate change, loss of biodiversity, chemical exposure, radiation, and occupational hazards within healthcare settings. This year's scorecards introduce a new summary score aimed at providing a succinct overview of the impact of environmental conditions on health, thereby facilitating national action and policy prioritization.

The scorecards serve as an essential resource for governments, illustrating the interconnection between environmental factors and health outcomes across various sectors. "Tackling environmental risks isn’t optional—it’s a prescription for better health, stronger economies, and a safer future. You can’t have healthy people on a sick planet," stated Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health. She emphasized the need for countries to implement coordinated actions that prioritize clean air, safe water, and climate-protective policies.

In the scorecards' analysis, Norway and Canada emerged as the top scorers overall, demonstrating effective management of environmental health risks. Among income classifications, Argentina led upper-middle-income nations, while Jordan and Malawi scored highest for lower-middle and low-income countries, respectively. European nations dominated the regional averages, followed by countries in the Americas, the Western Pacific, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

This iteration marks the third round of scorecards, with the introduction of a summary score representing a pivotal advancement in assessing and addressing health-environment linkages. The summary score consolidates 25 key indicators, enabling countries to monitor their progress on a national, regional, and global scale. It provides insights into trends in health impacts, policy implementation, and critical data gaps that need addressing.

Dr. Annette Pruess, Unit Head in the WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, noted, "The updated scorecards, together with the summary score, now bring new visibility to the links between environment and health at the country level. This is a powerful tool for governments to identify challenges and shape targeted responses."

Approximately 25% of the global burden of disease is attributable to environmental threats, many of which are preventable. By enhancing policies, adopting cleaner technologies, and implementing sustainable practices, countries can significantly mitigate preventable illnesses and deaths, thereby improving public health and safeguarding the planet's health.

The comprehensive data presented in the scorecards not only informs national health strategies but also aligns with global health agendas, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As countries strive to address these pressing issues, the WHO encourages international collaboration in tackling environmental health risks, reiterating that the health of people and the health of the planet are inextricably linked.