The global burden of diseases, injuries, and
risk factors study (gbd) 2021 examines health
trends worldwide. The study, which leverages 328,938
data sources, reveals health disparities across age,
sex, location, and socioeconomic groups, emphasizing
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside other
health challenges.
A worrisome finding is the staggering global reduction
in life expectancy by 1.6 years between 2019 and
2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most
significant decreases seen in subnational locations
such as Mexico City, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo
provinces in South Africa, and countries including
Peru and Bolivia. Despite the devastating impact of
the pandemic, the long-term view shows sustained
global progress in reducing mortality worldwide, with
life expectancy increasing by 22.7 years from 1950 to
2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic underscores
the fragility of health gains and highlights the need for
continued vigilance and preparedness.
Authors
- Published in
- United States of America
