Shifting Death Trends: The New Global Health Challenge

A global study published in The Lancet highlights that, despite a decline in death rates globally, young adults face increasing mortality due to behaviors like drug abuse. Analysis reveals preventable risk factors and shifting causes of death from infectious diseases to non-communicable ones such as heart disease and mental health disorders.

Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 13-10-2025 15:15 IST | Created: 13-10-2025 15:15 IST

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India

A recent report in The Lancet reveals that global mortality rates have decreased by 67%, but young adult death rates remain high due to substance abuse and other risks. The 2023 Global Burden of Disease study offers crucial insights into this alarming trend.

Despite China's leading number of deaths, adjusted for population, India and the US display higher rates. The report urges leaders to address preventable risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity. Life expectancy, meanwhile, has risen significantly since 1950.

The shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable ones like heart disease and mental disorders is notable, particularly affecting low-income nations. COVID-19's decline as a primary death cause highlights the growing impact of chronic conditions on public health.

(With inputs from agencies.)