The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released estimates indicating that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 74% of global deaths in 2023. This marks an increase from 58% in 2000. Among these diseases are heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, reflecting a shift in the global disease burden toward chronic illnesses and mental health issues.
As life expectancy rebounded to 73.3 years, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels, the WHO reported that healthy life expectancy—a measure of years lived in good health—recovered more slowly, reaching 62.8 years, which is still 0.4 years below what was recorded in 2019.
The report highlights that eight of the top ten leading causes of death are now attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases were identified as the predominant cause, with ischaemic heart disease alone responsible for approximately 9.5 million deaths and significant disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) loss.
While some regions have made progress in addressing heart disease, rising risks continue in areas like the Western Pacific and South-East Asia, underscoring ongoing disparities in health outcomes.
Additionally, the report noted a troubling increase in diabetes-related mortality and the burgeoning impact of dementia, which rose from the 19th leading cause of death to the fifth between 2000 and 2023, with deaths attributed to this condition tripling in that time.
Mental health conditions are also on the rise; between 2019 and 2023, the DALY rate for depressive disorders increased by about 20% and for anxiety disorders nearly 45%. These issues collectively accounted for an estimated 110 million years of healthy life lost due to premature death and disability in 2023.
The WHO also observed shifting patterns in drug use disorders, with the Americas experiencing the most significant increases in mortality risk, while the Western Pacific noted declines.
Alani Labrique, director of WHO’s Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and AI, remarked on the public health achievement of increased life expectancy. However, he stressed the need for health systems to adapt to the challenges posed by the chronic disease burden, ensuring that longer lives are healthier lives. The findings serve as critical evidence for governments to refine health policies and enhance their health systems.
