The World Health Organization has released new global health estimates showing how patterns of disease and life expectancy have changed around the world.
According to the WHO report, global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, almost returning to the 73.4-year level recorded in 2019 before the major disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, healthy life expectancy has recovered more slowly.
One of the biggest changes highlighted by the report is the growing impact of noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and dementia. In 2023, noncommunicable diseases accounted for 74% of deaths worldwide, compared with 58% in 2000.
The WHO also reported that eight of the world’s ten leading causes of death in 2023 were noncommunicable diseases. Ischaemic heart disease remained the world’s biggest cause of death, followed by stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Another notable development is that COVID-19 dropped out of the global top ten causes of death for the first time since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, lower respiratory infections returned to fourth place globally.
The findings show that although people are living longer, health systems are increasingly facing the challenge of helping people live those additional years in good health. The WHO says understanding these long-term changes is essential for planning healthcare and prevention strategies.
