The WHO’s report on COVID-19’s impact on global health reveals a significant drop in life expectancy. Between 2019 and 2021, global life expectancy decreased by 1.8 years, the largest decline in recent history. The report highlights that increased anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 led to a reduction of 6 weeks in global healthy life expectancy, largely negating gains made in lowering mortality from noncommunicable diseases during the same period.
The WHO report shows a mixed global health progress. Despite improvements in factors like reduced tobacco use and air quality benefiting 1.4 billion people, there is insufficient progress in enhancing access to essential health services. Only 431 million received necessary services without financial strain, and 637 million gained better protection during health emergencies.
The report highlights concerns about stagnant maternal and child mortality rates, despite considerable progress made between 2000 and 2023. Maternal deaths decreased by 40%, while under-five deaths were cut in half. Urgent action is needed to prevent a projected 700,000 more maternal deaths and eight million child deaths under five by 2030.
Non-communicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are now the top cause of death globally for people under 70. This shift is linked to aging populations and unhealthy habits. Despite reduced tobacco use, more action is required against increasing non-communicable disease fatalities and air pollution, a key preventable threat.
The report highlights the ongoing challenge of mental health conditions worldwide. By 2030, a shortage of 11.1 million healthcare workers is expected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Although progress has been made in curbing new HIV, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases cases, malaria incidents have been increasing since 2015, along with the persistent threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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