The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on May 6, 2025, highlighting the persistent disparities in life expectancy between affluent and impoverished nations. Despite a nine-year reduction since 2008, the gap between the highest (Japan) and lowest (Lesotho) life expectancies remains substantial at 33 years. The WHO had aimed to reduce the 18.2-year gap between the top and bottom third countries to 8.2 years by 2040, a target that now appears unlikely to be met.

The report underscores that children in poorer countries are 13 times more likely to die before the age of five compared to those in wealthier nations. Addressing this disparity could potentially save 1.8 million children annually. Additionally, while global maternal mortality fell by 40% from 2000 to 2023, progress has stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key social determinants—including access to education, housing, income, and social protection—were identified as critical drivers of health inequality. The WHO calls for addressing economic inequality, enhancing public services, regulating harmful commercial practices, and integrating climate action to improve health equity worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these disparities. Between 2019 and 2021, global life expectancy dropped by 1.8 years to 71.4 years, effectively erasing nearly a decade of progress. The Americas and South-East Asia were hit hardest, with life expectancy dropping by approximately three years. In contrast, the Western Pacific Region experienced minimal impact during the same period.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of addressing these inequities, stating, "In just two years, the COVID-19 pandemic erased a decade of gains in life expectancy. That's why the new Pandemic Agreement is so important: not only to strengthen global health security, but to protect long-term investments in health and promote equity within and between countries."

The WHO report also highlights the role of quality health care in influencing life expectancy. A region-wide assessment in the WHO European Region revealed that only one in three countries have implemented a national action plan on quality of care and patient safety. The report warns that for every additional national action plan or policy used, healthy life expectancy at birth increases by 0.57 years, while the probability of dying from selected noncommunicable diseases decreases by 1.34%.

The WHO's findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address health disparities. Investing in equitable production and access to vaccines, tests, and treatments is among the vital changes needed to address the inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. Dr. Tedros has called for countries to build a fairer, healthier world post-COVID-19, emphasizing that while all have been impacted by the pandemic, the poorest and most marginalized have been hit hardest in terms of lives and livelihoods lost.

The report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving global health equity. Addressing the multifaceted determinants of health disparities requires coordinated efforts across economic, social, and environmental sectors. By implementing comprehensive policies and interventions, nations can work towards narrowing the life expectancy gap and promoting a healthier future for all.