The World Health Organization (WHO) released its annual world statistics report, shedding light on the severe consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report unveiled a staggering loss of nearly 337 million life years in the first two years alone, as millions of people tragically died prematurely due to the virus and its broader impact. This grim revelation emphasizes the magnitude of the crisis and its profound effect on global health.
One striking finding from the report, based on data up to 2022, is the estimation of the years of life claimed by COVID-19. The pandemic has wreaked havoc worldwide, officially causing the death of nearly seven million people. However, experts believe the actual figure is closer to 20 million. The report exposes how the virus and the ensuing crisis abruptly cut short the lives of countless individuals.
While the WHO officially recorded 5.4 million COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and 2021, data on excess mortality reveals a much higher figure. It suggests that around 14.9 million people likely lost their lives during that period due to the crisis. What is even more alarming is that during these two years alone, COVID-19 resulted in a global loss of 336.8 million life years that would have otherwise been lived. To put it in perspective, it is equivalent to losing 22 years of life for each excess death.
The report also highlights the significant inequities in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and access to vaccinations. It warns that the pandemic has derailed numerous health-related indicators that had shown improvement over the years. In the first two decades, maternal and child health improved significantly, with deaths decreasing by one-third and one-half, respectively.
The incidence of infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria had also significantly decreased, along with the risk of premature death from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Alarming Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases Amidst Pandemic Crisis
However, the pandemic has deepened existing disparities in access to high-quality healthcare, routine immunizations, and financial protection, exacerbating the situation. It has reversed the positive trends in malaria and tuberculosis control.
The report delivers a stark message on the growing threat of NCDs, as the share of global deaths caused by these diseases has risen from 61% in 2000 to nearly 74% in 2019. If this trend continues, NCDs are projected to account for approximately 86% of the estimated 90 million annual deaths by mid-century.
WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizes the urgent need for a significant increase in investments in healthcare systems to realign with the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite reduced exposure to several health risks such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unsafe water and sanitation, deaths caused by NCDs continue to rise.