Global life expectancy has returned to its pre-pandemic level, but researchers warn that stark regional inequalities and rising chronic illnesses continue to threaten public health worldwide.
According to a new study published in The Lancet, average life expectancy reached 73.8 years in 2023 — a significant recovery from the sharp decline seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the average dropped to 71.7 years in 2021. The virus, which became the world’s leading cause of death in 2020, had fallen to 20th place by 2023, behind chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as Alzheimer’s and neonatal disorders.
While the rebound marks a return to pre-pandemic health levels, the study highlights a growing divide between countries. Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, who led the analysis, said chronic illnesses now account for nearly two-thirds of deaths and disability globally. They warned that without urgent action to tackle preventable risk factors like obesity, smoking, and air pollution, millions of lives could continue to be lost unnecessarily.
“The rapid growth in the world’s ageing population and evolving risk factors have ushered in a new era of global health challenges,” said Dr. Christopher Murray, IHME director and lead author of the study. “This should be a wake-up call for governments to respond swiftly and strategically to the disturbing trends that are reshaping public health needs.”
The study examined data on 375 diseases and 88 risk factors across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023. In Europe, the researchers analyzed five major nations — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — where heart disease remained the leading cause of death in 2023, except in France, where lung cancer topped the list. Life expectancy in these countries ranged from 80.9 years in Germany to 83.2 years in Spain, well above the global average.
However, the researchers also noted worrying patterns in other regions. Death rates among teenagers and young adults have increased in North and Latin America, driven by suicide, substance abuse, and alcohol-related causes. In sub-Saharan Africa, infectious diseases and accidents remain leading killers.
The findings underline the urgent need for renewed focus on health equity, prevention, and early intervention. Despite the global recovery from COVID-19, the report concludes, the world now faces a new set of complex, interlinked health challenges that demand immediate attention from policymakers and health leaders.
