Global South World - global health https://www.globalsouthworld.com en-US Silent killers: Noncommunicable Diseases account for majority of global deaths https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/silent-killers-noncommunicable-diseases-account-for-majority-of-global-deaths https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/silent-killers-noncommunicable-diseases-account-for-majority-of-global-deaths?feed=global%20health Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:47:59 Z Despite the frequent headlines dominated by violence , pandemics, and disaster, the leading causes of death worldwide are far less dramatic, but far more persistent.

According to the latest figures from IHME Global Burden of Disease and Global Terrorism Database, 74% of global deaths are caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—long-term, often lifestyle-related illnesses that receive relatively little attention in public discourse compared to infectious diseases or violent conflict.

A breakdown of global mortality

The data segments the primary causes of death into three categories:

1. Noncommunicable Diseases (74%)

Leading this category:

This overwhelming majority underscores the need for urgent investment in public health systems, prevention campaigns, and healthier living initiatives to address the rising burden of chronic diseases—particularly in aging populations and increasingly urbanized societies.

2. Infectious diseases (14%)

Despite considerable progress in combating infectious diseases globally, they still represent a significant portion of deaths:

These diseases predominantly affect low- and middle-income countries and remain a top concern for global health organizations working to reduce mortality through vaccination, sanitation, and access to medical care.

3. Injuries, accidents , and other causes (12%)

This category includes both preventable and external factors:

Despite media focus, deaths from war, terrorism, and violence account for only a tiny fraction of global mortality.

]]> Global South World World Visualized World Visualized Data from the IHME Global Burden of Disease and Global Terrorism Database offers a clear picture—most deaths aren’t from what makes headlines. Key Insights-74% of global deaths are from noncommunicable diseases- State of the global life expectancy: Closing the gap https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/state-of-the-global-life-expectancy-closing-the-gap https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/state-of-the-global-life-expectancy-closing-the-gap?feed=global%20health Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:54:55 Z According to the United Nations , global life expectancy at birth has experienced significant changes across various regions. As of 2024, the average life expectancy at birth worldwide is 73.3 years, with females averaging 76.0 years and males 70.7 years. ​

Europe: 77.2 years

Europe boasts the highest life expectancy, with an average of 77.2 years. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Iceland have some of the highest life expectancies globally. This region is projected to approach 83 years by 2050.

Northern America: 76.9 years

Northern America, comprising the United States and Canada, has a life expectancy of 76.9 years. The United States has a life expectancy of 76.1 years, while Canada's is 81.1 years. By 2050, the continent is expected to be attaining 94 years.

Australia and New Zealand: 76.5 years

Australia and New Zealand have a combined life expectancy of 76.5 years. Australia's life expectancy is 75.6 years, while New Zealand's is 80.5 years. Australian and Oceanian elders are given a lifespan of 82.1 years in 2050.

Latin America and the Caribbean: 75.5 years

Latin America and the Caribbean have a life expectancy of 75.5 years. Countries like Chile, Costa Rica, and Cuba have made significant progress in increasing life expectancy. Interestingly, this region aims at 80.6 years by 2050.

Asia: 73.5 years

Asia's life expectancy is 73.5 years, with notable variations across countries. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies globally, at 87.2 years, while Afghanistan's is 64.1 years. By 2050, Asia's life expectancy is expected to approach 80 years.

Africa: 63.5 years

Africa has the lowest life expectancy, at 63.5 years. While some countries like Mauritius and Seychelles have made significant progress, others like the Central African Republic and Chad continue to face challenges. With the withdrawal of many health aids supported by USAID, the figures are likely to decline. The UN, however, sees a leap by 5 years in 2050.

]]> Global South World World Visualized World Visualized #Asia has made extraordinary strides, increasing its life expectancy by more than 25 years between 1950 and 2000. By 2050, the region’s life expectancy is expected to approach 80 years, nearly matching that of (1) Top 7 countries with the lowest cancer rates per 100,000 https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/top-7-countries-with-the-lowest-cancer-rates-per-100-000 https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/top-7-countries-with-the-lowest-cancer-rates-per-100-000?feed=global%20health Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:58:38 Z Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but some countries have notably lower cancer rates.

According to data from World Population Review , here are the top 7 countries with the lowest cancer rates per 100,000 people:

Sierra Leone: With an age-standardized rate (ASR) of just 35.9 cases per 100,000 people , Niger has the lowest cancer rate globally.

Angola: Following closely, Angola reports an ASR of 76.8 cases per 100,000.

Gambia: Gambia reports an ASR of 79.2 cases per 100,000.

Republic of the Congo: DR Congo has an ASR of 80.7 cases per 100,000.

Nepal: This South Asian country has an ASR of 81.6 cases per 100,000.

Qatar: With an ASR of 82.4 cases per 100,000, Qatar ranks sixth.

Yemen: This Middle East nation reports an ASR of 83.1 cases per 100,000.

]]> Global South World Abigail Johnson Boakye World Visualized Cancer affects over 100 cell types. High-income countries report the highest incidence rates due to lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity and benefit from more effective healthcare systems. In contrast, limit