Launch of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2023 provides a comprehensive quantitative assessment of global health, highlighting major trends in mortality, morbidity, and the evolving disease landscape. Produced through rigorous scientific methods and a global network of more than 16,500 collaborators, GBD 2023 delivers authoritative insights for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and researchers.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBD 2023 data show notable recovery in global life expectancy and reveal the complex interplay between communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), alongside emerging risks. Successes in reducing deaths from ischemic heart disease and infectious diseases are evident, yet persistent disparities remain, particularly in regions such as the Sahel. The rising burden of NCDs, including mental health disorders, underscores significant policy challenges ahead.

Amid growing financial uncertainty and significant cuts in global health assistance from major donors, GBD findings are essential for anticipating future impacts and supporting strategic responses to maintain and advance global health progress. These data prompt reflection on substantial achievements—such as improvements in child health—while also highlighting the fragility of these gains in a fragmented global context.

This session will launch the GBD 2023 results and their discussion in The Lancet, providing a foundation for evidence-based dialogue on health challenges and opportunities. It will also demonstrate how GBD data can be used to understand and strengthen health systems, equipping global stakeholders with a post-pandemic baseline for 2030 and beyond. Ultimately, this work aims to reinforce collective commitment to sustainable global health improvements.