High youth death rates are an 'emerging crisis', global health study warns
12 hours ago
- #global health
- #disease burden
- #youth mortality
- Higher death rates among teenagers and young adults are emerging as a global crisis.
- Causes vary by region: drug and alcohol use, suicide in North America; infectious diseases and injuries in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes account for two-thirds of global ill health.
- Mental health problems are surging, particularly anxiety and depression among young people, especially women.
- Half of the world’s disease burden is preventable, driven by risks like high blood pressure, air pollution, smoking, and obesity.
- Global life expectancy has recovered post-Covid-19, standing at 76.3 years for women and 71.5 for men.
- Sub-Saharan Africa faces higher-than-estimated deaths in children and young women due to infectious diseases, injuries, and maternal mortality.
- Weak health systems, disrupted care, and vaccine gaps contribute to preventable deaths in Africa.
- Non-communicable diseases are rising among younger Africans, exacerbated by poor food regulation and nutrition education.
- International aid cuts threaten progress in low-income regions reliant on funding for primary care and vaccines.