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Non-Communicable Diseases Accounted for Most Deaths in 2023

The World Health Organisation reported that chronic illnesses caused 74 percent of all global deaths in 2023.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in COVID-19

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The World Health Organization reported that non-communicable diseases were the leading cause of global mortality in 2023, accounting for 74 percent of all deaths. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In 2023, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 74 percent of global deaths as COVID-19 dropped from the world's top 10 causes of mortality. During the same year, global life expectancy reached 73.3 years.

Why it matters

As global life expectancy trends upward, chronic illnesses have become the dominant health challenge for populations worldwide. This shift reflects a move away from communicable conditions as the primary threat to longevity.

Non-communicable diseases accounted for 74 percent of global deaths in 2023, a significant rise from 58 percent in 2000. Additionally, global life expectancy was measured at 73.3 years in 2023, nearly matching the 73.4 years recorded in 2019.

The players

World Health Organisation

This is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

This is the principal agency of the Kenyan government responsible for collecting and analyzing national data.

The details

While chronic diseases surged, the burden of mental health conditions also rose significantly between 2019 and 2023, with depressive disorders increasing by 20 percent and anxiety disorders by 45 percent. In contrast to global trends, Kenya reported that in 2021, 50 percent of deaths were attributed to communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions, while NCDs accounted for 37 percent of local fatalities.

Timeline

  1. In 2000, NCDs caused 58 percent of deaths globally.

  2. Global life expectancy was 73.4 years in 2019.

  3. Kenya recorded specific death causes during 2021.

  4. In 2023, non-communicable diseases accounted for 74 percent of global deaths.

  5. WHO Global Health Estimates were released on October 2, 2026.

The Big Picture

This report updates the 2019 global life expectancy baseline to show that lifespan figures have stabilized at 73.3 years following the global disruptions of the intervening years.

The rising prevalence of NCDs and mental health burdens suggests that individuals should prioritize long-term screenings for chronic conditions. Proactive management of anxiety and depression has become increasingly critical as these conditions represent a growing share of the global disease burden.

The takeaway

As communicable disease threats like COVID-19 subside, the global health focus must pivot toward managing the growing burden of chronic and mental health conditions. Individuals can improve long-term outcomes by integrating regular preventative care into their personal health routines.

Further reading

Learn more about evolving health metrics in the COVID-19 section.

Live Poll

Do you trust your local health system to manage the rising prevalence of chronic diseases?