Overview: A wake-up call from the Global Burden of Disease study
A landmark Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, drawing on data from more than 300,000 sources and involving 16,500 scientists, paints a troubling picture for teenagers and young adults. While life expectancy has rebounded since the Covid-19 era, the study highlights an “emerging crisis”: higher death rates among younger populations in various regions, driven by a mix of mental health challenges, infectious diseases, injuries, and rising chronic conditions.
Where the danger is greatest
The study, published in The Lancet and presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin, notes stark geographic differences in life expectancy, from 83 years in high-income regions to 62 in sub-Saharan Africa. Although global death rates have fallen overall, the researchers emphasize that death rates among teenagers and young adults remain stubbornly high or are increasing in several areas.
In North America and parts of Latin America, the increases are closely linked to suicide and the use of drugs and alcohol. Dr. Christopher Murray of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation underlined that the rise among young people, particularly women, reflects a complex mix of anxiety, depression, and broader social pressures that are not yet fully understood. He warned against simplistic explanations, noting the ongoing debates around social media, electronic devices, and parenting trends as contributing factors.
Sub-Saharan Africa: a different set of challenges
Conversely, sub-Saharan Africa shows that deaths in children aged five to 14 have been higher than previously thought, with infectious diseases and unintentional injuries among the drivers. For girls and women aged 15 to 29, the death rate is reported to be 61% higher than previous estimates, largely due to pregnancy-related deaths, road injuries, and meningitis. These findings underscore the need for stronger, youth-centered public health systems in regions grappling with both communicable and non-communicable threats.
Chronic disease and mental health: a new public health reality
One of the study’s most striking conclusions is that chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes now account for two-thirds of all ill health worldwide. At the same time, mental health problems are surging, a trend the researchers say should accelerate efforts to integrate mental health into primary care and community health programs. The authors stress that half of the world’s disease burden is preventable, driven by modifiable risks such as high blood pressure, air pollution, smoking and obesity.
Implications for policy and action
“The evidence presented in the Global Burden of Disease study is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi of Amref Health Africa. He argued that health investment must be youth-centered and that regions should move away from siloed approaches. The study calls for stronger health systems capable of delivering vaccines, essential medicines, and preventive care while addressing the broader social determinants of health that affect young people—education, nutrition, housing, and safety.
Emmanuela Gakidou of IHME cautioned that progress in poorer regions could be jeopardized by reductions in international aid, lamenting the reliance on global funding for life-saving primary care. The authors emphasize that targeted investments in mental health services, maternal health, vaccination, and non-communicable disease prevention are essential to reversing rising mortality among youth.
What this means for the future
The study frames youth mortality as a multifaceted crisis requiring coordinated action across governments, health systems, and communities. As Dr. Murray notes, the “wake-up call” is not a single trigger but a constellation of risk factors that can be mitigated through policy changes, better care coordination, and sustained funding. The goal is clear: reduce preventable deaths, support mental well-being, and curb the rise of non-communicable disease among the next generation.
Key takeaways
- Youth mortality remains a critical concern even as overall global deaths decline.
- Regional differences demand tailored strategies—mental health in high-income regions; infectious and pregnancy-related risks in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Half of all disease burden is preventable through controlling blood pressure, reducing air pollution, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Strong, youth-centered health systems and sustained international support are essential for lasting progress.
