Global life expectancy nears pre-pandemic level
The World Health Organization said global average life expectancy recovered to 73.3 years in 2023, approaching the pre-pandemic level of 73.4 years recorded in 2019.
The figures were published in the WHO's Global health estimates report, which examines trends in life expectancy, causes of death and the global disease burden.
Noncommunicable diseases dominate deaths
Healthy life expectancy has recovered more slowly, reaching 62.8 years in 2023, still 0.4 years below the 2019 level.
The WHO said noncommunicable diseases are accounting for an increasing share of deaths worldwide. Conditions including diabetes, dementia, mental health disorders and substance use disorders are contributing to a changing global disease burden.
Noncommunicable diseases accounted for 74% of all global deaths in 2023, up from 58% in 2000. Nearly eight of the world's 10 leading causes of death were noncommunicable diseases.
Health gains face new challenges
The WHO said the shift is becoming increasingly visible across all income groups. In 2023, infectious diseases accounted for less than half of all deaths in low-income countries for the first time.
Alain Labrique, director of the WHO's Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, said longer life expectancy was a major public health achievement but stressed the need to ensure that additional years are lived in good health.
The findings highlight the continuing recovery from the pandemic while pointing to the growing importance of chronic diseases and changing health needs worldwide.
Source:AA
