A study published in The Lancet revealed that Covid-19 became the second leading cause of death globally in 2021, displacing stroke and radically altering the top five causes of death for the first time in 30 years. While heart disease remained the top killer, the study tracked 288 causes of death in 204 countries and territories, showing that Covid-19 significantly impacted global mortality rates and set back progress in preventing deaths from other causes.
A study published in the Lancet warns that by 2100, populations in 198 of 204 countries will be shrinking due to dramatic declines in fertility rates, with most births expected to occur in poor countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This demographic shift will lead to a divide between "baby boom" in poorer countries and "baby bust" in wealthier countries, posing significant challenges for global economies and necessitating reorganization of societies. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize sub-Saharan Africa in efforts to address population growth, climate change, healthcare infrastructure, child mortality rates, and extreme poverty.
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.
