Global average life expectancy bounces back to pre-pandemic level: WHO

Moscow, Oct 3 (Sputnik.UNI) Global average life expectancy has nearly recovered to pre-COVID-19 pandemic level, the World Health Organisation said on Friday.

The UN health agency estimated health trends by country and region for the period from 2000 to 2023, including the dynamics of life expectancy, mortality and morbidity, and diseases.

"Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, close to the 73.4 years recorded in 2019," the statement read. Non-communicable diseases accounted for 74% of deaths globally in 2023, compared with 58% in 2000. At the same time, mortality from dementia tripled over the period, while health losses associated with anxiety disorders and depression rose sharply since the start of the pandemic.

In 2023, the 10 main causes of death accounted for 33 million of the 61 million deaths recorded worldwide. Non-communicable diseases made up eight of these 10 leading causes.

According to the WHO, the main causes of mortality were cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, as well as respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower respiratory infections.

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