Global Life Expectancy Surges, Driven by Decreases in Leading Killers: Since 1990

The world has witnessed a remarkable increase in life expectancy over the past three decades, with people living an average of 6.2 years longer in 2021 compared to 1990, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. This progress can be attributed to significant reductions in deaths from leading causes such as diarrheal diseases, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease. However, the study highlights that these gains would have been even more substantial had it not been for the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

South Asia Leading the Way – Global Life Expectancy Surges

Among the regions, South Asia, including India, has experienced one of the most significant improvements in life expectancy. India’s life expectancy has increased by nearly eight years over the past three decades. Bhutan leads the pack with an astonishing 13.6-year gain, followed by Bangladesh (13.3 years), Nepal (10.4 years), and Pakistan (2.5 years).

Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania: Frontrunners in Life Expectancy Gains

The study reveals that the super region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania has achieved the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021, with an impressive 8.3-year increase. This remarkable progress is largely attributed to reductions in deaths caused by chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer. The region’s effective management of the pandemic played a crucial role in preserving these gains.

COVID-19’s Devastating Impact – Global Life Expectancy Surges

Despite the overall positive trend, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on life expectancy globally. For the first time in decades, the pandemic has caused a major reshuffle in the leading causes of death worldwide. COVID-19 has displaced stroke, a long-dominant killer, to become the second-leading cause of death globally. The label “Other pandemic-related death” has taken the fifth spot among the leading causes of death in 2021.

Uneven Progress and Emerging Threats

While the study highlights significant progress in reducing deaths from certain diseases, it also reveals growing threats from non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and kidney diseases, which are increasing in every country. Additionally, the researchers point to uneven progress against conditions like ischemic heart disease, stroke, and cancer, with high-income countries driving down deaths more effectively than low-income nations.

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Call for Targeted Interventions and Global Collaboration

The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and global collaboration to address the remaining challenges. Professor Mohsen Naghavi, co-first author of the study, stresses the importance of focusing on preventing and treating enteric infections, strengthening immunization programs, and developing new vaccines. Eve Wool, the senior author of the study, calls for ensuring that lifesaving tools and resources are available to people in all countries, regardless of their economic status.

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, this study serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made in improving life expectancy and the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the remaining challenges and inequalities in global health.