Global Perspective on Life Expectancy and Health Challenges

Life expectancy is expected to increase by almost five years around the world by 2050, according to new research. The Global Burden of Disease Study says countries with lower life expectancy are expected to see the biggest increases.

Claudia Hammond is joined by BBC Africa health correspondent Dorcas Wangira to hear how public health measures are behind the predicted increases.

We also hear about how negotiations at this week’s World Health Assembly to secure a global deal for countries to prepare for pandemics have fallen through.

Claudia and Dorcas discuss new research in Kenya into the time of day mosquitoes are biting children in school, and what it tells us about whether the insects are getting smarter.

We also hear about the project twinning hospitals in Mexico and the US to try to improve the survival chances of children with leukaemia.

And new research from Australia suggests having a baby takes much more metabolic energy than previously thought.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Dan Welsh Editor: Holly Squire