WHO Report Highlights COVID-19’s Impact on Global Life Expectancy and Health Progress
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that the global average life expectancy has decreased by 1.8 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic have also reduced the healthy life expectancy by six weeks.
In its annual report on the global health situation, the WHO emphasized the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global lives, well-being, and overall health, leading to the loss of many of the benefits achieved in reducing non-communicable diseases. The report noted that necessary healthcare services have not been fully restored since the pandemic, and it is estimated that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 11 million healthcare workers, particularly in WHO’s Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
### **Health and Medical Services in Crisis**
WHO also reviewed its progress on improving the health of at least 3 billion people worldwide this year. However, the overall progress in this direction is now at risk, requiring urgent action to avoid further setbacks. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that many people worldwide are dying from preventable diseases. He pointed out the particular difficulties women and girls face in accessing medical services, emphasizing the responsibility of every government to act decisively and responsibly.
### **Improvements in Health**
The report highlights that last year, 1.4 billion people experienced improvements in their health, surpassing the target of 1 billion. Key factors contributing to this improvement included reduced tobacco use, better air quality, and increased access to clean water, sanitation, and health facilities.
However, progress in providing essential medical services and emergency medical assistance has been slow. While 431 million more people gained access to essential healthcare without financial barriers last year, only 637 million more people received better protection in emergency medical situations.
### **Concerns About Maternal and Child Health**
The report revealed slow progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. Over the past two decades, there had been significant reductions in maternal deaths (over 40%) and child deaths (more than 50%). However, the current increase in these rates is concerning due to underinvestment in basic healthcare, a shortage of trained healthcare workers, and a reduction in services like immunization and safe childbirth practices. If urgent measures are not taken, by 2030, 700,000 mothers and 8 million children under 5 years old may lose their lives, according to the WHO.
### **Non-Communicable Diseases on the Rise**
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart diseases, strokes, diabetes, and hepatitis are causing premature deaths, with the growing population and aging being key factors. The report notes that most deaths under 70 years of age are from these diseases. Despite reductions in tobacco and alcohol use, air pollution remains the largest preventable cause of death worldwide.
### **Infectious Disease Control**
The report also discussed a decline in new cases of HIV and tuberculosis globally. There has been a decrease in the rate of patients requiring treatment for neglected tropical diseases. However, the spread of malaria has continued to rise over the past 10 years, and antimicrobial resistance remains a significant public health threat. Vaccination rates in 2023 did not return to pre-COVID levels, and many countries are still struggling with issues like malnutrition, air pollution, and unsafe living conditions.
### **Financial Support for Health**
There has been a recent decline in the financial resources allocated for health purposes, which poses a threat to the progress made towards achieving health targets. The WHO stressed the need for sustainable and reliable funding for health at both national and international levels to protect the hard-earned successes in the medical field.
