Changes in life expectancy across selected countries in the Western Pacific Region and their underlying risk factors, 1990–2021
In this paper we analyzed trends in life expectancy across countries in the Western Pacific Region from 1990 to 2021. We further examined how major causes of death and underlying risk factors have contributed to those changes. Life expectancy increase overall in the region but unevenly across countries, with progress slowing down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decomposition analysis showed that reductions in deaths from non-communicable diseases, particularly those linked to high blood pressure and smoking, drove most gains of gains in longevity. Increases in infectious disease mortality and pandemic-related disruptions offset improvements in some areas. Our paper emphasizes the importance of tackling modifiable risk factors to sustain longevity gains.
Read the full paper here https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24799-2