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A comprehensive study published in The Lancet reveals a remarkable global increase in life expectancy by 6.2 years since 1990, despite the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, conducted by an international team led by Tampere University, offers insights into the factors driving improvements in life expectancy and highlights the impact of COVID-19 on mortality worldwide.
The study, which spans three decades, underscores the progress made in reducing deaths from leading causes such as diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted this trajectory, marking the first study to compare COVID-19 deaths to other causes globally.
While the pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, the researchers found that regions such as Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania experienced the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. Effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic in these regions contributed to preserving these gains. Similarly, South Asia saw significant improvements in life expectancy, primarily driven by declines in deaths from diarrheal diseases.
Dr. Liane Ong, co-first author of the study, emphasized the nuanced nature of global health, noting both monumental achievements and setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our study presents a nuanced picture of the world’s health,” Dr. Ong stated, highlighting the dual impact of progress and pandemic challenges.
COVID-19 emerged as a defining factor in global mortality, displacing long-standing killers like stroke to become the second-leading cause of death globally. The pandemic disproportionately affected regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa, where the loss of years of life expectancy due to COVID-19 was most pronounced in 2021.
In addition to COVID-19, the study examines trends in mortality from various diseases, revealing significant reductions in deaths from enteric diseases, lower respiratory infections, stroke, neonatal disorders, ischemic heart disease, and cancer. These improvements have contributed to a notable increase in global life expectancy over the past three decades.
Eastern sub-Saharan Africa emerged as a standout region, experiencing the largest increase in life expectancy, driven primarily by advancements in controlling diarrheal diseases. East Asia also saw substantial gains, attributed to reductions in deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 shed light on the evolving landscape of global health, providing valuable insights into disease patterns, mortality trends, and opportunities for intervention. Professor Mohsen Naghavi, co-first author of the study, emphasized the importance of targeted interventions to combat diseases and promote health equity.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving health challenges, the study underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address emerging threats, strengthen health systems, and ensure access to lifesaving interventions for all populations.
The Lancet study not only offers a comprehensive assessment of global health trends but also serves as a call to action for policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders worldwide to prioritize public health interventions and accelerate progress towards achieving equitable health outcomes for all.
With further research and collaborative initiatives, there is hope for continued improvements in global life expectancy and a future where health disparities are minimized, and individuals worldwide can lead healthier and more prosperous lives.
