The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its World health statistics report 2025. Included in the findings are how the COVID pandemic has threatened life expectancy, according to a release.
WHO says 2019, 2020, and 2021 saw the “the largest drop in recent history” of global life expectancy (-1.8 years). This decline backpedals “a decade of health gains,” according to the organization. Additionally, “increased levels of anxiety and depression linked to COVID-19 reduced global healthy life expectancy by 6 weeks—erasing most of the gains made from lower mortality due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) during the same period.”
Other key findings:
· Approximately “1.4 billion more people were living healthier by the end of 2024, surpassing the 1 billion target.” WHO attributes this stride to less tobacco use, better air, and accessible water, hygiene, and sanitation.
· Advancements toward “increased coverage of essential health services and protection from emergencies” dwindled.
· Maternal and child mortality progress is waning.
· More people are dying from NCDs. 2030 goals will likely not be reached.
· Healthcare workforce shortages are still being experienced globally.
· Less people are being diagnosed with HIV and TB.
· Malaria and antimicrobial resistance are proving challenging.
· “In 2023, childhood vaccination coverage—including third dose diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus containing vaccine (DTP3)—had not returned to pre-pandemic levels.”
