Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Global Life Expectancy Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels, But NCDs Resulted In 8 Out 10 Deaths: WHO

WHO: Global Life Expectancy Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels, But NCDs Resulted In 8 Out 10 Deaths

According to the <span>World Health Organisation</span>, the <span>global life expectancy</span> has recovered to almost pre-pandemic levels, a significant public achievement, but the world is facing a growing burden from chronic diseases, 

<span>WHO</span>'s latest health estimates, which released recently, offer a glimpse into the pattern of life expectancy and disease burden between 2000 and 2023. It also says that while damages due to <span>COVID-19</span> have been reversed, the world is grappling with a growing burden of <span>noncommunicable diseases</span> (<span>NCDs</span>). 

<h2>Global Life Expectancy Is Almost Back To 2019 Levels </h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/is-flexibility-the-secret-to-a-long-life-study-reveals-the-truth-article-151035417" data-type="tilCustomLink">Global life expectancy</a> reached 73.3 years in 2023, compared to 73.4 years in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, the pace at which healthy life expectancy has recovered has been slow and steady. It stood at 62.8 years in 2023, which was still 0.4 years below the 2019 level. 

This means people are living almost as long as they were before the pandemic, but the number of years they can expect to live in good health has not fully recovered. 

Dr Alain Labrique, Director of WHO’s Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and AI said, "Living longer is one of the great achievements of public health. The next challenge is to ensure that those additional years are lived in good health, while health systems are equipped to respond to the changing needs of populations."

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/100-blockage-at-18-25-patients-under-40-on-world-heart-day-cardiologists-reveal-an-alarming-heart-attack-pattern-article-156243737" data-type="tilCustomLink">100% Blockage At 18, 25% Patients Under 40: On World Heart Day, Cardiologists Reveal An Alarming Heart Attack Pattern</a>

<h2>NCDs Account For 74% Of Global Deaths </h2>

The WHO data also depicted a growing share of deaths caused by <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/world-leaders-call-for-obesity-ncd-prevention-at-brics-2026-summit-why-focus-is-growing-article-156149243" data-type="tilCustomLink">NCDs</a>. In 2023, NCDs accounted for 74% of all deaths globally, compared to 58% in 2000. 

In fact, eight of the world's 10 leading causes of death were NCDs in 2023. These include <span>cardiovascular diseases</span>, cancer, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a></span> and chronic respiratory diseases. 

The change is not limited to wealthier countries. The shift in NCD-related deaths was visible across all income levels. 

In 2023, for the first time, communicable diseases accounted for less than half of all deaths in low-income countries, showing how disease patterns are changing even in populations that have traditionally carried a higher burden of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h-pylori-hpv-among-five-infections-behind-1-in-8-cancers-worldwide-lancet-article-156245302" data-type="tilCustomLink">infectious diseases</a>.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/japan-has-107677-centenarians-88-are-women-challenges-of-an-aging-population-article-156169249" data-type="tilCustomLink">Japan Has 107,677 Centenarians; 88% Are Women: Challenges Of An Aging Population</a>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Heart Disease</span> Remains The World's Biggest Killer </h2>

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Ischaemic heart disease alone caused about 9.5 million deaths in 2023, along with an estimated 210 million disability-adjusted life years, a measure that combines years lost because of premature death and years lived with disability. 

While there has been progress in reducing the burden of ischaemic heart disease in many parts of the world since 2000, the WHO noted increases in individual-level cardiovascular risk in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions. 

This highlights continuing differences in <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-dim-light-or-screen-glare-during-sleep-stiffen-your-arteries-what-the-science-says-article-156260643" data-type="tilCustomLink">cardiovascular health</a> between populations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/blue-zones-diets-what-the-worlds-longest-livers-eat-article-151032580" data-type="tilCustomLink">Blue Zones Diets: What the World’s Longest-Livers Eat</a>

<h2>Diabetes And <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a></span> Also Among Major Contributors </h2>

The WHO estimates point to growing concerns around other chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia. The risk of dying from diabetes has increased substantially since 2000, especially in South-East Asia. 

Dementia has also landed among major causes of death globally. Alzheimer disease and other dementias became the fifth leading cause of death worldwide in 2023, compared to  19th in 2000. Global deaths from dementia tripled between 2000 and 2023, according to the WHO.

How to Live Beyond 100? Doctor Reveals the Blueprint for Longevity

<h2>Mental Health Adds To The Burden</h2>

Between 2019 and 2023, the global age-standardised DALY (disability-adjusted life year) rate increased by approximately 20% for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/after-lindsay-clancy-trial-massachusetts-pushes-stronger-postpartum-mental-health-screening-article-156165684" data-type="tilCustomLink">depressive disorders</a> and nearly 45% for anxiety disorders. Together, these conditions were responsible for an estimated 110 million years of healthy life lost through premature death and disability in 2023. 

Drug use disorders have also been observed across different trends across regions. Between 2000 and 2023, the WHO Region of the Americas recorded the largest increases in the risk of death linked to these disorders, while the Western Pacific region saw declines.

In a nutshell, the world has largely recovered the ground lost in overall life expectancy during the pandemic. But simply living longer does not necessarily mean we are living healthier. As populations age and infectious diseases account for a smaller share of deaths in many regions, health systems are increasingly required to manage conditions that often need long-term prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. 

“The value of these estimates is not only in the numbers themselves,” said Dr Labrique. “By showing how causes of death and disease burden are changing over time and across populations, they give countries evidence to help shape health policies and priorities.” 

“These capabilities are critical to better enable targeted, effective interventions and ultimately further improving health and well-being for all.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

who-global-life-expectancy-returns-to-pre-pandemic-levels-but-ncds-resulted-in-8-out-10-deaths

NCDs

world health organisation

dementia

COVID-19

diabetes

heart disease

cardiovascular diseases

noncommunicable diseases

global life expectancy

fatty-liver-disease-why-metabolic-health-matters-even-if-youre-not-overweight

Fatty Liver Disease: Why Metabolic Health Matters Even If You’re Not Overweight

fda-approves-targeted-cancer-drug-as-first-line-treatment-for-cll-that-cuts-progression-risk-by-80

FDA Approves Targeted Cancer Drug As First-Line Treatment For CLL That Cuts Progression Risk By 80%

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

According to the World Health Organisation, the global life expectancy has recovered to almost pre-pandemic levels, a significant public achievement, but the world is facing a growing burden from chronic diseases, WHO's latest health estimates, which released recently, offer a glimpse into the pattern of life expectancy and disease burden between 2000 and 2023. It also says that while damages due to COVID-19 have been reversed, the world is grappling with a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Global Life Expectancy Is Almost Back To 2019 Levels Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, compared to 73.4 years in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, the pace at which healthy life expectancy has recovered has been slow and steady. It stood at 62.8 years in 2023, which was still 0.4 years below the 2019 level. This means people are living almost as long as they were before the pandemic, but the number of years they can expect to live in good health has not fully recovered. Dr Alain Labrique, Director of WHO’s Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and AI said, "Living longer is one of the great achievements of public health. The next challenge is to ensure that those additional years are lived in good health, while health systems are equipped to respond to the changing needs of populations."Also read: 100% Blockage At 18, 25% Patients Under 40: On World Heart Day, Cardiologists Reveal An Alarming Heart Attack PatternNCDs Account For 74% Of Global Deaths The WHO data also depicted a growing share of deaths caused by NCDs. In 2023, NCDs accounted for 74% of all deaths globally, compared to 58% in 2000. In fact, eight of the world's 10 leading causes of death were NCDs in 2023. These include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. The change is not limited to wealthier countries. The shift in NCD-related deaths was visible across all income levels. In 2023, for the first time, communicable diseases accounted for less than half of all deaths in low-income countries, showing how disease patterns are changing even in populations that have traditionally carried a higher burden of infectious diseases.Also read: Japan Has 107,677 Centenarians; 88% Are Women: Challenges Of An Aging PopulationHeart Disease Remains The World's Biggest Killer Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Ischaemic heart disease alone caused about 9.5 million deaths in 2023, along with an estimated 210 million disability-adjusted life years, a measure that combines years lost because of premature death and years lived with disability. While there has been progress in reducing the burden of ischaemic heart disease in many parts of the world since 2000, the WHO noted increases in individual-level cardiovascular risk in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions. This highlights continuing differences in cardiovascular health between populations.Also read: Blue Zones Diets: What the World’s Longest-Livers EatDiabetes And Dementia Also Among Major Contributors The WHO estimates point to growing concerns around other chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia. The risk of dying from diabetes has increased substantially since 2000, especially in South-East Asia. Dementia has also landed among major causes of death globally. Alzheimer disease and other dementias became the fifth leading cause of death worldwide in 2023, compared to  19th in 2000. Global deaths from dementia tripled between 2000 and 2023, according to the WHO.                Mental Health Adds To The BurdenBetween 2019 and 2023, the global age-standardised DALY (disability-adjusted life year) rate increased by approximately 20% for depressive disorders and nearly 45% for anxiety disorders. Together, these conditions were responsible for an estimated 110 million years of healthy life lost through premature death and disability in 2023. Drug use disorders have also been observed across different trends across regions. Between 2000 and 2023, the WHO Region of the Americas recorded the largest increases in the risk of death linked to these disorders, while the Western Pacific region saw declines.In a nutshell, the world has largely recovered the ground lost in overall life expectancy during the pandemic. But simply living longer does not necessarily mean we are living healthier. As populations age and infectious diseases account for a smaller share of deaths in many regions, health systems are increasingly required to manage conditions that often need long-term prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. “The value of these estimates is not only in the numbers themselves,” said Dr Labrique. “By showing how causes of death and disease burden are changing over time and across populations, they give countries evidence to help shape health policies and priorities.” “These capabilities are critical to better enable targeted, effective interventions and ultimately further improving health and well-being for all.”

who: global life expectancy returns to pre-pandemic levels, but ncds resulted in 8 out 10 deaths

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Global Life Expectancy Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels, But NCDs Resulted In 8 Out 10 Deaths: WHO

FDA Approves Targeted Cancer Drug As First-Line Treatment For CLL That Cuts Progression Risk By 80%

‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know

Robotics Set to Transform Every Medical Specialty, From Diagnostics to Therapy in India: Jitendra Singh

Health Conditions A-Z

Global Life Expectancy Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels, But NCDs Resulted In 8 Out 10 Deaths: WHO

Fatty Liver Disease: Why Metabolic Health Matters Even If You’re Not Overweight

FDA Approves Targeted Cancer Drug As First-Line Treatment For CLL That Cuts Progression Risk By 80%