From the International Federation of Library Associations
24 October 2025
'Following a first part released on the International Day for the Universal Access to Information, IFLA has now released the full version of its report into how governments are working with information as they work to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. This underlines the potential value of a stronger and more coordinated approach to knowledge collection, management, sharing and use at the global level...'
https://www.ifla.org/news/unrealised-potential-new-report-highlights-sco...
EXTRACT
'Indeed, a number of 2025 VNRs [Voluntary National Reviews] underline the connection between a lack of access to health information and poor health outcomes (Angola, p15, Eswatini, p20, Ghana, p40, Israel, p53, Kyrgyz Republic, p38). This is particularly so when it comes to services for women and girls, including menstrual and sexual and reproductive health (Angola, p19, Guatemala, p55, p66, Indonesia, p62, Lesotho, p44).'
See also: Health information is a right – new IFLA statement (2024): https://www.ifla.org/news/health-information-is-a-right-new-ifla-statement/
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org