Trends and Distribution of Life Expectancy and Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy - Asia-Pacific Region, 1990-2021

China CDC Wkly. 2024 Sep 27;6(39):996-1003. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2024.208.

Abstract

What is already known about this topic?: The Asia-Pacific region is the most populous and diverse globally, encompassing nations with both the longest and shortest life expectancies (LE). However, less is known about the health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) situation in this region.

What is added by this report?: This study found diversity in the levels and trends of HALE among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with HALE in 2021 ranging from 49.87 years in Afghanistan to 74.96 years in Singapore. The largest HALE increase from 1990 to 2021 was observed in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the smallest in Fiji. HALE continually increased as SDI increased, but different patterns of HALE across countries varied by SDI level.

What are the implications for public health practice?: The diversity among these countries provides a prerequisite and scientific basis for promoting the achievement of health goals in the Asia-Pacific region through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

Keywords: Asia-Pacific Region; Health-adjusted Life Expectancy; Life Expectancy.