Global Burden of Disease (GBD)

The GBD study is the largest and most comprehensive effort to quantify health loss across places and over time, so health systems can be improved and disparities eliminated.

607 billion+ highly standardized and comprehensive estimates measure health outcomes and systems.

463 health outcomes and risk factors provide a powerful basis for insights on global health trends and challenges.

204 countries and territories, plus dozens of subnational locations show trends at regional, national, and local levels.

19,000+ individuals from 167 countries and territories collaborate in vetting GBD data sources and estimates.

Key findings from GBD 2023

Our most recent GBD estimates were released in 2025, incorporating data through 2022.

World made rapid progress fighting infectious diseases, but diabetes, mental disorders, and obesity/overweight are mounting challenges

Half of the top 10 leading causes of early death and disability worldwide are non-communicable diseases.
Between 2013 and 2023, there were sharp increases in healthy years lost due to diabetes and anxiety and depressive disorders.
Health loss from high blood sugar and high body mass index is rising, but for many other risk factors it is dropping.

For more key findings on GBD 2023 Diseases, injuries, and risk factors download our infographic, or read the capstone publication for a detailed analysis.

Change in early death and disability attributable to the 10 leading risk factors globally, 2013–2023

Amid COVID-19 recovery, some regions see rising mortality

Life expectancy has returned to pre-pandemic levels in two-thirds of countries and territories.
Mortality among children, adolescents, and young adults has declined in most regions except Eastern Europe and high-income North America.
New data and methods uncovered higher mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa than previously reported.

For more key findings on life expectancy and mortality, download our infographic or read the capstone publication for a detailed analysis.

Life expectancy among GBD super-regions, 2013–2023

Global health rebounds post-COVID-19, but people still die prematurely in many regions

COVID-19 killed 18 million people from 2019 to 2023 but was no longer a major cause of death in 2023.
Diabetes, drug use disorders, violence, and heat waves pose some of the fastest-rising threats to human health.

For more key findings on GBD 2023 causes of death, download our infographic for more key findings or read the capstone publication for a detailed analysis.

Percentage annual increase in deaths due to select causes from 2013 to 2023

Explore key findings from past GBD studies

Browse our collection of reports and infographics summarizing key findings from previous GBD studies.