Context

A new study published in The Lancet, the study reported global life expectancy increases by 6.2 years from 1990 to 2021.

• The primary reasons behind the Decline in mortality rates are enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, ischemic heart disease, and strokes worldwide.
• However, the impact of COVID-19 was detrimental in several nations.

Key Findings of the Lancet Study On Global Life Expectancy

There are various reasons behind Gain in Life Expectancy 

• Enteric Infections: 

  • Enteric illnesses are food and waterborne illnesses.
    • Bacterial, parasitic, and viral diseases have contributed to the highest death reduction.
    • This category of diseases includes typhoid and diarrhoea.
    • Life Expectancy: A reduction in deaths from these diseases increased life expectancy by 1-1.5 years during 1990-2021.
      • The most striking increase was seen between 1990 and 2000 compared with subsequent decades. 
      • South Asia saw significant gains (3.1 years) due to reduced enteric infections.

• Lower Respiratory Infections: 

  • The researchers found reduced deaths from lower respiratory infections were the second-largest contributing factor to increasing life expectancy.
    • It caused 0.9 years of gained life expectancy from 1990 to 2021.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: 

  • The researchers noted that a drop in chronic respiratory diseases contributed to an increase of 0.5 years in life expectancy. 
    • East Asia had a significant role in this, with improvements in mortality in China.

• Reductions in Measles Mortality:

  • vaccine-preventable disease: The researchers identified significant reductions in mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
  • Geographical concentration: These reductions were widespread but geographically concentrated, particularly in western and eastern sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Deaths among children under five years: The study highlighted a decline in deaths among children under five years old due to measles.

• Persistent Threats from Digestive Diseases and Cirrhosis:

  • Digestive diseases and cirrhosis threat: Despite progress in some areas, the study identified ongoing threats from digestive diseases and cirrhosis.
    • From 2010 to 2019, there was a lack of improvement in addressing these conditions, indicating their continued significance as health concerns.

• Impact of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases:

  • Life expectancy: Diabetes and kidney diseases contribute to a global loss of 0.1 years in life expectancy.
    • These conditions pose additional challenges to global health and require continued attention and intervention efforts.

• Impact of COVID-19 on Global Life Expectancy:

  • Leading Causes of Age-Standardized Deaths: The primary causes of death remained unchanged between 1990 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed the rankings of these causes.
    • In 2019, globally, the leading causes of age-standardized deaths were ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory infections.
  • However, by 2021, COVID-19 became the second leading cause of age-standardized deaths, replacing stroke.
  • Death and life expectancy: COVID-19 accounted for 94 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021 and caused a decline of 1.6 years in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, marking the largest decrease in life expectancy estimates.
  • Varied severity of COVID-19 across regions: Andean Latin America experienced the most significant loss of 4.9 years, while East Asia saw minimal change.
    • Sub-Saharan Africa faced challenges as COVID-19 compounded existing health issues, particularly high mortality rates from HIV/AIDS.

• Additional Causes of Death Identified:

• • The researchers added 12 new causes of death to the Global Burden of Diseases report 2021;
    • COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality diseases
    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension
    • Various types of cancer

Way Forward

• Focus on Remaining Challenges:

  • According to the study, there is a need to address remaining threats like digestive diseases, cirrhosis, and diabetes. Thus, Policies should prioritize research and interventions in these areas.

• Vaccination Programs:

• • There is a need for Policies that ensure regular funding and access to essential vaccinations for treating vaccine-preventable diseases. 
    • It includes strengthening and expanding immunization programs and developing new vaccines for pathogens like E. coli, norovirus, and Shigella.