Global life expectancy has almost returned to pre-COVID levels, with healthy life expectancy also rising in tandem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s latest Global Health Estimates report, global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, close to the 73.4 years recorded in 2019. Healthy life expectancy has also recovered, but at a slower rate. It went up to 62.8 years in 2023, still 0.4 years below its 2019 level. That healthy life expectancy is lagging behind overall life expectancy indicates the pandemic’s continuing impact. These figures also show that healthcare systems around the world have not fully recovered. The WHO has rightly said that the next global challenge is to ensure that the years gained are lived in good health.

India’s life expectancy at birth has also recovered since the COVID setback, reaching 71 years in 2023, after falling from 70.5 years in 2019 to 68.1 in 2021. India regained more than two years of expected lifespan over these two years. The country’s healthy life expectancy was 60.6 years in 2023, only slightly more than the 2019 figure of 60.5 years. These life expectancy levels are less than the world’s. The country is ahead of Pakistan’s 68.2 years but behind Sri Lanka’s 77.56 years and Bangladesh’s 72.7 years. The two neighbouring countries are ahead of India in other health indicators, too. Public health is among the most critical measures of welfare. The trends in the WHO report present a strong case for India to tailor its policy according to the evolving needs and invest more in the sector.

The report also underlines the growing global threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It said NCDs accounted for 74% of deaths reported globally in 2023; their share was only 58% in 2000. Eight of the world’s 10 leading causes of death in 2023 were NCDs, with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes forming a major share of the number. Mental health issues have also shown an upward trend. NCDs now account for about 60% of deaths in India. Infectious diseases are also emerging as a major threat in the country. While much of the rising NCD burden relates to lifestyle and environmental changes, poor sanitation, drinking water issues, and limited access to medical aid in many parts of the country have heightened the threat from infectious diseases. Prevention and long-term preparedness, not reactive measures, will be the viable strategy. (Source: DH)