The average life expectancy worldwide has increased by an average of 6.2 years since the 1990s. According to a study published in the scientific journal Lancet, this has been attributed to a reduction in mortality from diarrhea, respiratory infections, stroke, and ischemic heart disease.
Researchers state that the most significant increase in life expectancy from 1990 to 2021 was observed in the so-called super-region, which includes Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania (by 8.3 years). South Asia ranked second in this regard (by 7.8 years) due to a decrease in mortality from diarrhea.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant negative impact on life expectancy in some regions. Latin America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa were among the hardest-hit areas.
Researchers also identified a threat from non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and kidney diseases.
Despite progress in combating some dangerous diseases such as stroke and ischemic heart disease, the progress is not uniform, especially in countries with different income levels.
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