One key element in maintaining these advances is the proper control of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Global life expectancy has increased significantly, with an average gain of 6.2 years between 1990 and 2021, according to a recent Lancet study. During this time, India has notably had an eight-year growth.
The report ascribes this increase to reductions in fatalities from a number of illnesses, including heart disease, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and stroke, while the Covid-19 pandemic’s arrival in 2020 largely negated the advantages.
According to the Lancet study, life expectancy has increased by 6.2 years worldwide since 1990, with an eight-year increase in India. This trend was driven, albeit COVID-19, by a decline in fatalities from a variety of illnesses.
In depth
The region of South Asia has seen varying advances in life expectancy, with Bhutan leading the way with a gain of 13.6 years, followed by Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Pakistan. One key element in maintaining these advances is the proper control of the Covid-19 epidemic.
The study emphasises how life expectancy has increased significantly in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, mostly as a result of declining rates of cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory disorders, and respiratory infections. These developments have been hampered by the introduction of Covid-19, which is now the second greatest cause of death worldwide.
The GBD 2021 study emphasises the notable declines in enteric disease-related fatalities, which have resulted in a 1.1-year rise in the average life expectancy worldwide between 1990 and 2021.
Take away
Global life expectancy has increased further due to breakthroughs in reducing fatalities from various causes and reductions in mortality from lower respiratory infections.
The report highlights the importance of concentrating on immunisation programmes, producing new vaccines, and treating and preventing diseases like typhoid and diarrhoea.
It also exhorts the international community to make sure that everyone has access to life-saving equipment for non-communicable diseases, particularly in areas with little resources.
