BBC Africa health correspondent Dorcas Wangira discusses the projected increase in global life expectancy by 2050 and the importance of public health measures. They also cover topics such as evolving mosquito behavior in Kenya, advancements in childhood cancer treatment, and the high metabolic energy expenditure during pregnancy.
Global life expectancy may increase by five years by 2050, especially in poorer countries due to improved child survival rates from infectious diseases.
Collaborative hospital partnership in Mexico and the US significantly improved childhood cancer survival rates, highlighting the importance of shared expertise and resources in healthcare.
Deep dives
Global Increase in Life Expectancy Predicted by 2050
A study from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation revealed a projected increase in global life expectancy by five years by 2050. This improvement, especially prominent in the poorest countries, is attributed to significant progress in reducing infectious diseases in children over the past few decades, leading to enhanced child survival rates. However, disparities between high-income and low-income countries persist, emphasizing the need for continued advancements in healthcare across all regions.
Health Priorities for the Future
To enhance life expectancy and quality of life worldwide, experts stress the importance of addressing key health issues. In low-income countries, combating major infectious diseases remains critical, while middle-income countries face the challenge of addressing non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Focus areas include tobacco control, promoting healthy diets and physical activity, and managing high blood pressure to reduce the global burden of disease.
Impact of Collaborative Efforts on Childhood Cancer Survival Rates
A partnership between hospitals in Mexico and the United States has significantly improved childhood cancer survival rates in Baja California. Through collaborative programs and resources, survival rates for brain tumors and lymphoblastic leukemia have increased from 0% to over 50% and 10% to 80%, respectively. The initiative emphasizes the importance of shared expertise, access to specialized care, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
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
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