According to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO), global average life expectancy figures have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, this figure reached 73.3 years globally, which is only slightly below the 73.4 years recorded in 2019. Experts regard this as a significant milestone in overcoming the aftermath of the global public health crisis.
Slow Recovery of Healthy Life Expectancy
Despite the overall increase in life expectancy, healthy life expectancy—the number of years a person lives in good health—is recovering at a much slower pace. By the end of 2023, this figure stood at 62.8 years, which is 0.4 years lower than in 2019. WHO representatives emphasize that the key task for the international community is not just extending biological life span, but ensuring its high quality through the modernization of healthcare systems.
Epidemiological Shift and Noncommunicable Diseases
The report also highlights a long-term shift in mortality patterns. In 2023, infectious diseases accounted for less than half of all deaths in low-income countries for the first time, marking an important step in what the WHO calls a global epidemiological shift. Concurrently, noncommunicable diseases accounted for 74% of all global deaths in 2023, up from 58% in 2000. Cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease, remain the leading cause of death and the greatest disease burden.
Rise of Chronic and Mental Disorders
WHO specialists note a rapid increase in the prevalence of other chronic and mental health conditions. Dementia moved from 19th among leading causes of global death in 2000 to 5th in 2023, with deaths from the condition tripling over the same period. Furthermore, between 2019 and 2023, the global rate of healthy life years lost increased by approximately 20% for depressive disorders and nearly 45% for anxiety disorders, requiring coordinated government responses.
