1. The Lancet study shows global life expectancy has risen by over six years since 1990.
2. India saw an almost eight-year increase in life expectancy during the same period.
3. Reductions in deaths from major causes like diarrhea and respiratory infections contributed to this progress.
New Delhi, April 04: The study published in The Lancet reveals a remarkable increase in global life expectancy by over six years since 1990, with India experiencing an almost eight-year rise during the same period.
Factors Driving Progress
Reductions in deaths from leading causes such as diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease are credited to this progress. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impeded further advancements.
Regional Progress
- South Asia: Countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan witnessed substantial gains in life expectancy, largely attributed to declines in deaths from various diseases.
- Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania: Notably, this super-region saw the largest net gain in life expectancy, primarily due to reductions in chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic reshuffled the leading causes of death globally, with COVID-19 emerging as the second-leading cause. Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa experienced the most significant loss in life expectancy due to the pandemic in 2021.
Disease-Specific Progress
- Enteric Diseases: Sharp declines in deaths from enteric diseases, including diarrhoea and typhoid, contributed to a notable increase in global life expectancy.
- Lower Respiratory Infections: Reductions in deaths from lower respiratory infections also significantly added to global life expectancy.
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Regional Breakdown
- Eastern sub-Saharan Africa: Witnessed the largest increase in life expectancy, driven by improvements in controlling diarrheal diseases.
- East Asia: Saw the second-largest gain, primarily due to successes in reducing deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
GBD 2021 Study Insights
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 sheds light on mortality patterns and life expectancy changes globally, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address specific disease burdens.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Growing threats from non-communicable diseases like diabetes and kidney diseases are on the rise worldwide, highlighting the importance of comprehensive healthcare strategies.
Call to Action
While high-income countries have made significant strides in reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases, efforts must be intensified to ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions in low-income countries.
