Global Life Expectancy Drops After Covid: A Look at Different Countries

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a significant decline in global life expectancy due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

prativad prativad
May 29, 2024 - 10:20
Global Life Expectancy Drops After Covid: A Look at Different Countries

Between 2019 and 2021, the average global life expectancy fell by 1.6 years, marking the steepest drop since the 1950s.

This decline wasn't uniform across all countries. Some nations witnessed a decrease exceeding 3 years in life expectancy, while others experienced a less severe impact.

Here's a breakdown of how life expectancy changed in some major countries:

  • United States: Down from 78.6 years in 2019 to 77.3 years in 2021.
  • United Kingdom: Down from 81.2 years in 2019 to 79.2 years in 2021.
  • Italy: Down from 83.4 years in 2019 to 82.1 years in 2021.
  • Spain: Down from 83.1 years in 2019 to 82.8 years in 2021.
  • Germany: Down from 83.7 years in 2019 to 83.1 years in 2021.
  • South Africa: Down from 62.9 years in 2019 to 60.8 years in 2021.
  • India: Down from 67.2 years in 2019 to 65.4 years in 2021.
  • Brazil: Down from 75.4 years in 2019 to 74.9 years in 2021.

Several factors contributed to the decline in life expectancy:

  • Direct Covid-19 Deaths: Millions succumbed directly to the virus.
  • Strain on Healthcare Systems: The pandemic overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure, limiting access to treatment for non-Covid illnesses.
  • Socioeconomic Downturn: The pandemic caused job losses and income reduction for many, hindering access to food, shelter, and healthcare.

It's important to remember that these figures are estimates and may vary between countries due to differences in data collection and reporting methods.

The decrease in life expectancy is a major concern. Governments and health organizations need to collaborate to reverse this trend and promote better health outcomes for all. Additionally, further research is crucial to understand the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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