Health Global Affairs News

Global Life Expectancy Drops Significantly Due to COVID-19

A new Lancet study revealed that the global average life expectancy dropped by 1.6 years during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the United States experiencing the highest excess mortality rate among high-wealth nations. Global mortality rates, which had been declining for 70 years, saw a significant increase during the pandemic, leading to a 22% rise in mortality for men over 15 and a 17% rise for women. While global deaths in children declined, the pandemic had a profound impact on adult mortality, with 84% of countries experiencing a decline in life expectancy. The study also highlighted the impact of population changes on global health, including an aging population and potential social, economic, and political challenges.