Just before the 2024 World Health Summit, of which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a partner, the Lancet Commission on "Investing in Health" published a report with an "ambitious" yet "feasible" goal: cutting the global probability of premature deaths by 50% by the year 2050. The "50-by-50" initiative aims to ensure that a child born in 2050 has only 15% chance of dying before the age of 70, as compared to the children born in 2016, who are at 31% risk of dying before 70. Global Leaders And Health OutcomesSeven countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iran and Türkiye, found the study, and were already on the track to achieve this goal. These countries have made progress in reducing premature death rates and are also now considered as model countries, serving examples for others who are aiming to improve universal health coverage. The authors of this report are a team of researchers who come from prominent health institutions like Harvard University's School of Public Health, WHO and India's Public Health Foundation. They underscore that these countries' successes stem from early health interventions. What Can Be Done To Reduce Early Deaths?The authors have noted that expanding access to just 15 priority health services could make a great difference in reaching the 50-by-50 goal. These services address 8 maternal and infectious diseases and 7 non-communicable diseases (NCD) and injuries.However, the biggest challenge remains the access to healthcare due to lack of funding and a gap in universal health coverage initiatives. "The most efficient route is to focus resources against a narrow set of conditions and scale up financing to develop new health technologies," noted the authors. Prevention And PolicyThe report points out tobacco control as one of the most effective and crucial measures to be carried out to reduce early deaths as it can reduce the tobacco-related deaths. There are policies being discussed to raise tax on tobacco that could turn out to be transformative. Another aspect that could be taxed is unhealthy foods and beverages like sugary drinks since these are also linked to a higher risk of premature deaths, especially for those who have type 2 diabetes. The Way ForwardThe authors also outlined a target for a 30% reduction in premature deaths by 2035. The authors also emphasised that the economic impact of decreased mortality rates would also be substantial.