The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in global life expectancy, returning it to 2012 levels in just 2 years. Noncommunicable diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for 78% of non-COVID-related deaths during the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic varied across different regions, with the Western Pacific region being less affected compared to Southeast Asia and the Americas. The report also highlighted issues such as health equity for migrants and refugees, the double burden of malnutrition, and limited healthcare access for these vulnerable populations. There is an urgent need for health systems to address persisting inequities and changing demographic needs.
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COVID-19 pandemic reversed a decade of progress in global life expectancy
