In Eastern Europe, the largest increases in mortality between 2011 and 2023 occurred among those aged 15-19 years and 20-24 years, with rates rising by 54 percent and 40 percent, respectively.
The report also documents leading global causes of mortality, identifying non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as accounting for nearly two-thirds of worldwide mortality and morbidity, with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes being the most prevalent.
In lower-middle and upper-middle income countries, there is a swift shift towards non-communicable diseases, according to Murray, driven by factors like an aging population, little progress on tobacco control, air pollution, and rising obesity levels.
In Central Europe and North America, these chronic diseases were mainly fueled by increased drug use disorders, as reported. Diabetes and kidney disease also significantly contributed to the rise in Central Europe and several other regions. The authors recommend targeted public health interventions, improved healthcare access, and socioeconomic policies to address these issues.
The researchers estimate that addressing high levels of blood sugar, overweight, and obesity could prevent half of all deaths and disabilities.
The report highlights how conflict has shifted from North Africa and the Middle East to central and eastern Europe, and central Asia, driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine, leading to increased injury-related deaths. Palestine has the highest mortality rate from conflict and terrorism globally.
Injury-related deaths from natural disasters, such as the 2023 Turkey earthquake and the 2022-23 European heatwaves, are also increasing. “In central and eastern Europe, heatwaves have become more frequent over the past decade,” the authors note.
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