17 May 2024 • A new study published in the journal Lancet projects global life expectancy will rise by 2050, but progress will be slower than pre-COVID-19 rates.

Disease burden will shift from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs) to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease becoming leading causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Despite these improvements, population growth and aging will drive increases in total DALY counts across all regions.

The study highlights the potential for substantial health improvements by eliminating risk factors and enhancing key health interventions, which could decrease the global DALY burden by 15.4% by 2050.

Source: The Lancet | Read full story