The World Health Organization's latest Global Health Estimates reveal that global life expectancy has nearly recovered to its pre-Covid level. In 2023, life expectancy stood at 73.3 years, compared to 73.4 years in 2019. However, the return of healthy years is slower, with a healthy life expectancy of 62.8 years, still 0.4 years below its pre-pandemic level. This information was released by the WHO on Friday, providing an update on global health trends from 2000 to 2023.
Non-communicable diseases continue to be a major burden globally, accounting for 74% of deaths worldwide in 2023, up from 58% in 2000. These diseases occupied eight places among the world's ten leading causes of death. Cardiovascular disease remained the leading global cause of death and ill health, with ischaemic heart disease causing about 9.5 million deaths in 2023. The WHO emphasized that the changing disease burden requires health systems to meet different population needs as people live longer.
The WHO's findings have particular relevance for South Africa, where non-communicable diseases are also on the rise. According to Statistics South Africa's report on deaths in 2024, non-communicable diseases accounted for 60.7% of recorded deaths, up from 44.9% in 2003. Diabetes was the leading underlying natural cause of death, accounting for 6.1% of all recorded deaths, followed by hypertensive diseases at 5.5%, and cerebrovascular diseases at 5.4%.
The South African figures are based on death-notification records collected through the Department of Home Affairs. While the data describes a different year and data series from the WHO's global estimates, it highlights a similar trend of increasing non-communicable diseases. The WHO's global estimates and South Africa's national data both underscore the need for health systems to adapt to the changing disease burden.
The WHO's Global Health Estimates provide a comprehensive overview of global health trends over two decades. The data highlights the progress made in reducing mortality rates and increasing life expectancy, but also emphasizes the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases. The organization stressed that health systems must be equipped to meet the evolving needs of populations as they live longer.
In response to the changing disease burden, the WHO is calling for health systems to be strengthened and adapted to meet the needs of aging populations. This includes investing in healthcare infrastructure, improving access to healthcare services, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The organization's estimates and recommendations aim to inform policy decisions and guide healthcare planning globally.
The release of the WHO's Global Health Estimates coincides with the United Nations' allocation of $160 million for 12 humanitarian crises. The funding aims to support vulnerable populations affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises. The WHO's work on global health trends and estimates is an essential component of the international response to humanitarian crises and global health challenges.
Key points
- Global life expectancy nearly recovered to pre-Covid levels in 2023, standing at 73.3 years.
- Non-communicable diseases accounted for 74% of deaths worldwide in 2023, up from 58% in 2000.
- The WHO emphasizes the need for health systems to adapt to the changing disease burden and meet the evolving needs of aging populations.
