WHO: NCDs cause 74% of global deaths, but Kenya's top killers remain TB, HIV

Non-communicable diseases caused 74% of all global deaths in 2023, up from 58% in 2000, according to new World Health Organization estimates released October 2. Eight of the world's 10 leading causes of death were NCDs, with heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory disease among the biggest killers. Global life expectancy recovered to 73.3 years in 2023, near the 2019 level of 73.4 years, though healthy life expectancy has recovered more slowly. Kenya's pattern differs, with WHO 2021 data showing communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions caused 50% of deaths there, while NCDs accounted for 37%. Tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, and lower respiratory infections were Kenya's top three causes of death, contrasting with global rankings where ischaemic heart disease led. Covid-19 dropped out of the global top 10 for the first time since the pandemic began.