India, May 16 -- In just two years, between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy worldwide fell by 1.8 years - the largest fall in recent history according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warning that overall progress is under threat today, WHO on Thursday called on governments "to act, with urgency, commitment, and accountability to the people they serve." Tedros bemoaned the "avoidable tragedies" behind the statistics.

The 2025 report shows an estimated 1.4 billion more people were living healthier lives by the end of 2024, surpassing WHO's one billion target. This was driven by reduced tobacco use, better overall air quality and access to water, hygiene and sanitation, said WHO.

Driven by po...