From 2010 to 2023, global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) rose by 6.1%, but age-standardised rates decreased by 12.6%, reflecting major health improvements despite population growth and ageing.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading contributors to global DALYs, with ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes leading, while communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases saw remarkable declines.
Risk-attributable DALYs showed near 50% attribution to 88 modifiable risk factors; metabolic risks increased in absolute terms, while environmental and behavioural risks largely declined.
The data underscore the urgent need for coordinated global efforts addressing rising metabolic risk factors and persistent disparities to sustain health gains.
