Life expectancy dropped by 1.6 years during pandemic, reversing past progress, says Lancet study

Global life expectancy has experienced a significant setback, dropping by 1.6 years between 2019 and 2021, according to research published in The Lancet journal. This reversal from past improvements is one of the first comprehensive evaluations of demographic trends amidst the Covid-19 pandemic's initial two years. The findings, with implications for health systems, economies, and societies worldwide, underscore the pandemic's profound impact.

The study revealed that life expectancy declined in 84% of countries and territories during this period, highlighting the devastating potential impacts of novel pathogens. Particularly hard-hit areas included Mexico City, Peru, and Bolivia. While adult mortality rates surged globally during the pandemic, child mortality continued to decrease, albeit at a slower pace than previous years. The research, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, underscores the urgency for stakeholders to understand and address the ongoing changes in global health landscapes, both due to the pandemic and long-term trends.

Reference: Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the Lancet, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00476-8