Global Life Expectancy Drops by 1.6 Years Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

A landmark study reveals a significant reversal in life expectancy trends, underscoring the pandemic's profound impact on global health.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global reduction in life expectancy by 1.6 years between 2019 and 2021, marking a significant reversal in the decades-long trend of increasing life expectancy.
Life expectancy declined in 84% of the 204 countries and territories analyzed, with the pandemic having a more profound impact on adults than any event in the last half-century.
Despite the overall decline, child mortality continued to decrease during the pandemic, with half a million fewer deaths among children under five in 2021 compared to 2019.
Countries that implemented effective public health measures, such as Australia and New Zealand, saw better outcomes in terms of life expectancy during the pandemic.
The pandemic highlighted the need for global cooperation on health issues and preparedness for future pandemics, as well as addressing disparities in health across countries.