Lancet Public Health
Coverage of Lancet Public Health in the Nexus archive.
- Longer lives, worse health? Scientists uncover troubling trend across generations
A study found that people worldwide are living longer but spending more years in poor health, with the 'morbidity gap' widening in 203 of 204 countries. The U.S. has the largest gap at 14 years, driven by chronic issues like low back pain, depression, and hearing loss. Wealthier nations with life-extending resources show the most significant increase in this gap.
- Road deaths have declined globally since 1990 except in poorer countries, study finds
Road deaths have declined globally by over 30% since 1990, but lower-income countries have seen little improvement. A study in Lancet Public Health highlights disparities, noting 90% of road deaths occur in low-income nations, while the WHO reports a 21% decline in road traffic deaths from 2011 to 2025 despite 1.1 million annual fatalities. In the U.S., road deaths declined in 2024-2025 after rising in the previous decade, with pedestrian deaths dropping by 7% in 2025.
- Road deaths have declined globally since 1990 except in poorer countries, study finds
Road deaths have declined globally by over 30% since 1990, but lower-income countries show little improvement. The WHO reported a 21% decline in road traffic deaths between 2011 and 2025, yet 90% of road deaths occur in low-income countries where safety measures lag behind urbanization and motor vehicle growth. In the U.S., fatalities peaked in 2021 but began declining in 2024.