What is "life expectancy at birth"? Data shows that the global average life expectancy has more than…

Question

What is "life expectancy at birth"? Data shows that the global average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900, and is now above 70 years. Describe three to five factors which have contributed to improvement in life expectancy.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Life expectancy at birth is the average number of years a newborn is expected to live under current mortality conditions. It has risen through falling infant mortality, immunisation and better maternal care, improved nutrition and sanitation, control of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, and better management of non-communicable diseases.

**Introduction**

Life expectancy at birth indicates the average lifespan of newborns under current mortality rates. Since 1900, it has more than doubled globally to over 70 years, reflecting health and social progress, including in ==Andhra Pradesh==. This rise highlights advances in medical care, sanitation, and nutrition that have transformed population health worldwide.

**Institutional Framework Supporting Longevity**

SKETCH: mindmap | Factors Improving Life Expectancy  
- Public Health Infrastructure  
- Government Policies  
- Nutrition & Sanitation  
- Disease Control  
- Healthcare Workforce

1. **Robust Public Health Infrastructure**: Programs like immunization and maternal-child health services, exemplified by ==Andhra Pradesh’s National Health Mission==, have lowered infant mortality and improved healthcare access. These efforts ensure early detection and treatment of diseases, enhancing survival rates.  
2. **Government Policies and Schemes**: Initiatives such as Janani Suraksha Yojana in ==Andhra Pradesh== have enhanced institutional deliveries, reducing neonatal deaths and improving life expectancy. Additionally, sanitation and nutrition policies complement these health interventions by addressing underlying determinants.

**Implementation Challenges and Health Outcomes**

3. **Reduction in Infant Mortality Rate⟦2⟧⟦1⟧ (IMR)**: National IMR declined from 30 per 1,000 live births in 2019 to 24 in 2024, with similar improvements in ==Andhra Pradesh==, directly increasing life expectancy. This decline reflects better maternal care and child health services.  
4. **Improved Nutrition and Sanitation**: Enhanced nutrition programs and sanitation infrastructure under the Swachh Bharat Mission in ==Andhra Pradesh== have lowered malnutrition and waterborne diseases, further boosting life expectancy.

**Way Forward**

1. **Strengthen Rural Healthcare Delivery**: Expanding primary healthcare and mobile units in ==Andhra Pradesh== will reduce health disparities and improve management of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

**Conclusion**

Life expectancy improvements reflect integrated health policies and institutional capacity, with infant mortality reduction and disease control pivotal, as seen globally and in ==Andhra Pradesh==. Continued equitable healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation, and preventive measures remain essential to ensure longer lives translate into healthier lives.

What is "life expectancy at birth"? Data shows that the global average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900, and is now above 70 years. Describe three to five factors which have contributed to improvement in life expectancy.

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