Life expectancies rising, new global study shows

Global life expectancy has risen by more than six years since 1990, according to a new study from the US.

Led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and published in The Lancet, the new analysis of all major diseases and injuries in 188 countries showed that people around the world are living longer, even in the poorest countries.

Marked declines in death and illness caused by HIV/AIDS and malaria in the past decade, as well as significant advances made in addressing communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional disorders, have helped to improve health standards significantly.

However, the report also showed that people are generally spending more years living with illness and disability, with ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections and stroke causing the most substantial health losses around the world.

IHME director Dr Christopher Murray said: "Looking at healthy life expectancy and health loss at the country level can help guide policies to ensure that people everywhere can have long and healthy lives, no matter where they live."