New WHO estimates show longer lives alongside a growing burden from chronic disease
Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, almost returning to the 73.4 years recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization. The recovery marks progress after the sharp disruption of the pandemic, but the data also show that people are not regaining healthy years at the same pace.
Healthy life expectancy stood at 62.8 years in 2023, still 0.4 years below its 2019 level. That difference matters because it measures the years people can expect to live in good health rather than survival alone. The figures suggest that health systems must prepare for ageing populations who may live longer with disability or chronic illness.
Noncommunicable diseases accounted for 74 percent of deaths worldwide in 2023, up from 58 percent in 2000. Eight of the ten leading causes of death were noncommunicable diseases. Ischaemic heart disease remained the largest single cause, responsible for an estimated 9.5 million deaths in 2023. WHO also reported growing burdens linked to diabetes, dementia, mental health conditions and drug use disorders.
The shift is visible across income groups. In low-income countries, communicable diseases accounted for less than half of deaths for the first time in 2023. That does not mean infections are no longer a threat. It means many countries must now handle infectious disease, maternal and child health needs, and chronic illness at the same time. The new estimates provide governments with a basis for deciding where prevention, primary care and long-term treatment need greater attention.
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