The global life expectancy at birth recovered the two-year decline in 2022, but is yet to hit the record high of 2019. The World Bank has released the most recent figures that indicates average life expectancy at birth to be 72 years in 2022, almost the same mark in 2020, while ticking up from 71.3 in 2021. Whereas the year before COVID-19 pandemic, the world life expectancy at birth was at 73 years.

In 2022, it was Europe that had the highest life expectancy among the regions listed in the World Bank Data. The age was recorded at 81.7 years in 20 European Union counties. Whereas, regions like western and central Africa recorded 57.6 years as the average, the lowest average life expectancy of all.

The highest countries to record the expectancy rate was however in Asia and Europe, with Liechtenstein and Japan topping the list at 84 years.

What is average life expectancy?

It is the average number of years a person can expect to live, based on the current mortality rates for a specific population in a specific area. Life expectancy at birth is the average lifespan calculated of a newborn, which also assumes that the mortality rates remain constant.

It is calculated for different age groups, and is one of the most common health status indicators. There are factors like lifestyle, better education, greater access to quality health services and rising live standards that influence the life expectancy age.

Countries With The Highest Life Expectancy

• Liechtenstein at 84.3 years
• Japan at 84.0 years
• Switzerland at 83.5 years
• Australia at 83.2 years
• Sweden at 83.1 years
• Spain at 83.1 years
• Ireland at 83.1 years
• Luxembourg at 83.0 years
• Italy at 82.9 years
• Singapore at 82.9 years

African nations of Chad and Lesotho had the lowest average life expectancy measurements among all countries at approximately 53 years.

ALSO READ: Lancet Study Reveals 'Two Factors' That Decide The Life Expectancy Of People in US

Countries With The Lowest Life Expectancy

• Chad at 53.0 years
• Lesotho at 53.0 years
• Nigeria at 53.6 years
• Central African Republic at 55.6 years
• South Sudan at 56.1 years
• Eswatini at 56.4 years
• Namibia at 58.1 years
• Côte d'Ivoire at 58.9 years
• Guinea at 59.0 years

Where Does the US Stand In The Ranking?

US life expectancy was at 77.4 in 2022, as per the World Bank Data, which ranked it at No. 49 in the world, even behind countries like Cuba, Estonia, and Saudi Arabia.

Among the 38 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the US ranked 30th for life expectancy. The rates sharply declined because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and fell by 1.6 years worldwide between 2019 and 2021. This is as per The Lancet study, published on May 18, 2024. The study provides as estimate of demographic metrics which are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. It also emphasizes on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic period.

Another analysis by KFF and the Peterson Center on Healthcare found that the pandemic had a greater impact on life expectancy in the US than in other high-income nations. Whereas another March analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that US life expectancy had rebounded after two years of decline and it rose from 76.4 years in 2021 to 77.5 years in 2022.

Polio is a contagious viral illness that can lead to paralysis, making its complete eradication important to protect every child from lifelong disability, a mission recognised each year on World Polio Day. This global observance aims to spread awareness about the dangers of polio and the continued worldwide push to end the disease.

The day also serves as a platform for governments, health organisations, and communities to reflect on the progress achieved so far, identify ongoing challenges, and strengthen collective efforts toward a polio-free world. Let’s take a look at when World Polio Day is observed and what this year’s theme focuses on.

Why Is World Polio Day Celebrated?

World Polio Day, observed every year on October 24, aims to raise global awareness about the importance of eradicating polio and maintaining immunization efforts. Recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization, Rotary International, and UNICEF, the day celebrates the progress made against polio while highlighting the work still needed to protect children from this potentially life-threatening disease.

It brings together governments, communities, educators, and health workers in a shared effort to support a polio-free world, underscoring the power of vaccination and the importance of collective action in public health.

World Polio Day: History and Origin

World Polio Day was created to honor Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first effective poliomyelitis vaccine. The observance was officially initiated by Rotary International and is now supported by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which includes key partners like WHO and UNICEF. The day not only commemorates vaccine breakthroughs but also continues the global fight to end polio, a disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children annually. Thanks to worldwide vaccination campaigns, most of the world is now polio-free, though efforts continue in regions where the virus still exists.

World Polio Day 2025 Theme

This year’s theme, End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere, emphasizes the urgent need to vaccinate every child and ensure equal access to protection against polio. It is a call to action for global eradication, highlighting both the responsibility and commitment required to make a polio-free world a reality.

How Does Polio Spread?

Polio is mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, meaning it spreads when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the virus. It can also spread through close contact with an infected individual. The poliovirus lives in the throat and intestines of those infected, and poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene greatly increase the risk of transmission, especially in communities with limited access to clean facilities.

In severe cases, polio can lead to acute flaccid paralysis, which may affect the diaphragm and throat muscles, making it difficult to breathe or swallow. Since there is no cure for polio, prevention remains the only line of defence. Raising awareness about polio vaccination is therefore essential to protect individuals, especially children, from this potentially life-threatening disease.

Kim kardashian brain aneurysm: Kim Kardashian has revealed that a routine MRI detected a small brain aneurysm, which doctors linked to the stress of her divorce from Kanye West. The 45-year-old reality TV star shared the news on the season seven premiere of The Kardashians while talking with her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, 46. “They found a little aneurysm,” Kim said, prompting a visibly shocked Kourtney to place her hand over her chest and respond: “Whoa.” Here’s a closer look at what this condition involves and how serious it can be.

Kim Kardashian Hints at Brain Aneurysm After Stressful Divorce

Kim Kardashian, the 45-year-old lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur, recently shared a startling health update on her reality show The Kardashians. During a conversation with her sister on season seven, the SKIMS founder revealed that a brain scan had detected a “little” aneurysm. She reportedly attributed it to the stress of her divorce from rapper Kanye West, the father of her daughter, North.

What Is A Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is a weak or thin spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood. Many aneurysms remain unruptured and asymptomatic for years, but if they rupture, they can cause a life-threatening stroke known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage, according to the National Library of Medicine. The Mayo Clinic notes that about 85% of aneurysms are found in the brain’s anterior circulation.

Certain individuals are at higher risk, including those with hypertension, genetic disorders, a family history of aneurysms, regular smokers, heavy alcohol users, or infections that affect blood vessels (mycotic aneurysms). Plaque buildup in artery walls can also increase the risk, according to the National Institutes of Health.

What Is A ‘Little’ Brain Aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms are relatively common, but most are not serious, especially if they are small. The majority of aneurysms do not rupture and often do not cause symptoms or health problems. Many are discovered incidentally during scans for unrelated conditions, just like Kim Kardashian’s was found during her routine MRI.

When Kim referred to a “little” brain aneurysm, she meant a small aneurysm, typically under 3 millimeters, which is far less likely to rupture. These tiny, unruptured aneurysms usually produce no symptoms and are often detected by chance during imaging for other medical reasons.

Early Warning Signs Of An Aneurysm

Most brain aneurysms go unnoticed until they leak or rupture. However, as they expand, they can press on nearby nerves, producing early warning signs. Neurologists at the Mayo Clinic list potential symptoms such as persistent, localized headaches often behind the eyes or in the temples, blurred or double vision, and pain behind the eye. Other signs may include a drooping eyelid, unequal pupil size, facial weakness or numbness, slurred speech, and balance problems.

Is A Brain Aneurysm Serious?

Brain aneurysms can be serious, but it largely depends on their size and location. Many small aneurysms, like Kim Kardashian’s “little” one, often remain harmless and may never rupture.

While Kim Kardashian found out about her condition during a routine MRI, doctors can also spot aneurysms through an angiography, which helps detect any unruptured bulges in blood vessels. These are more frequently seen in women between 30 and 60 years old, and when combined with other risk factors, this group is considered higher risk. Physicians recommend managing blood pressure, quitting smoking, and keeping a close watch on vascular health as preventive steps.

Salmonella egg recall: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging people to avoid eating, selling, or serving certain eggs from the Black Sheep Egg Company. The Arkansas-based producer voluntarily recalled these eggs last month after concerns about possible Salmonella contamination. The recall, which began in late September, affects over six million eggs nationwide, according to FDA reports.

Which Egg Brands Were Recalled For Salmonella?

Black Sheep Egg Company supplies eggs to both wholesalers and retailers, and some of the recalled eggs may have been repackaged under different brands by other companies. Large shipments were also sent to restaurants and stores. As of October 17, the FDA reports that no illnesses have been linked to this recall.

Despite the recall, thousands of these eggs may still be on store shelves or sitting in your pantry. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Recalled Eggs:

• Black Sheep Egg Company: 12-count cartons of free-range large Grade A brown eggs, best by dates: 8/22/2025–10/31/2025, UPC: 860010568507
• Black Sheep Egg Company: 18-count cartons of free-range large Grade A brown eggs, best by dates: 8/22/2025–10/31/2025, UPC: 860010568538
• Kenz Henz: 12-count cartons of Grade AA large pasture-raised eggs, best by dates: 10/11–10/14 and 10/16–10/17, UPC: 86949400030, sold in retail stores in Houston, TX

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella refers to the illness caused by Salmonella bacteria, which typically leads to diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other digestive symptoms. This form of food poisoning, known as gastroenteritis, is the most common bacterial foodborne illness in the U.S.

To differentiate it from other diseases caused by different strains of Salmonella, such as typhoid fever, this type of infection is also called salmonellosis.

What Happens If You Get Salmonella?

A Salmonella infection occurs when enough bacteria survive your stomach acid and immune defenses to cause illness. Once inside, the bacteria invade and damage the cells lining your intestines. This interferes with your body’s ability to absorb water, leading to stomach cramps and watery diarrhea as your body tries to flush out the infection, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What Health Risks Do Salmonella-Contaminated Eggs Pose?

Salmonella-contaminated eggs can be particularly dangerous for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Eating these eggs may cause salmonellosis, with common symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, the infection can require hospitalization and may even be life-threatening for high-risk individuals.

Recent outbreaks linked to contaminated eggs have affected several states, leading producers and retailers to issue recalls under guidance from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days after exposure and can become serious if dehydration or other complications occur. Public health officials recommend discarding recalled eggs, thoroughly washing hands and surfaces, and seeking medical attention if symptoms develop after consuming potentially contaminated eggs.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Eggs

The FDA advises that consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve the recalled eggs. You can either return them to the store for a refund or safely dispose of them.

If you have unlabeled eggs in your fridge and aren’t sure whether they are part of the recall, it’s safest to discard them to avoid any risk of Salmonella infection.