A recent global study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has revealed stark differences in health risks and life expectancy across regions, underscoring the urgent need for policymakers to rethink health priorities.
The research shows that in sub-Saharan Africa, infectious diseases and unintentional injuries remain the leading causes of death. In contrast, for children aged 5 to 14 worldwide, iron deficiency tops the list of health risks, followed by issues related to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and malnutrition.
For adults between 15 and 49, unsafe sexual practices and occupational injuries are the leading threats, with high body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, and smoking also contributing significantly to global health burdens.
Life expectancy varies dramatically across the globe, ranging from 83 years in high-income countries to just 62 years in sub-Saharan Africa. These disparities highlight persistent health inequities, according to the IHME report.
“Decades of progress in reducing health disparities in low-income regions are at risk due to recent cuts in international aid,” said Emmanuela Gakidou, senior author of the study and professor at IHME. “Countries that rely on global health funding for essential care, medicine, and vaccines face widening gaps in health outcomes if funding declines.”
Researchers emphasize that a renewed focus on adolescent and young adult health is critical. Expanding health priorities beyond traditional funding areas could help prevent preventable deaths and improve global life expectancy.
The findings serve as a stark reminder that global health is interconnected, and reductions in support for vulnerable populations can have lasting, far-reaching consequences.