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In a significant development, COVID-19 emerged as the third leading cause of death in 2022, marking the first instance in over 50 years that an infectious disease ranked among the top five causes of death in Australia. This data underscores the profound impact of the pandemic on national health dynamics.
According to the latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), chronic conditions continued to dominate the health landscape, accounting for approximately 90% of all deaths annually from 2002 to 2022. However, the prominence of COVID-19 as a leading cause of death has highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic.
For the first time since the mid-1990s, Australia has experienced a decline in life expectancy. A child born between 2020 and 2022 can expect to live 81.2 years for men and 85.3 years for women, reflecting a reduction of 0.1 years for both genders. This decline is attributed to the increased mortality associated with COVID-19 and other contributing factors.
Rising Healthcare Demands and Expenditure
Australia’s ageing population is placing unprecedented demands on primary care, with an increasing number of individuals living with chronic diseases and experiencing prolonged periods of ill health. This trend necessitates a robust response from the healthcare system to manage the escalating burden of chronic conditions.
The AIHW report reveals that Australia’s health expenditure reached approximately $241 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22, equating to $9,365 per person. This expenditure positions Australia 15th among 38 OECD nations in terms of health spending as a proportion of GDP, at 10.5%. While this is slightly above the median, it remains lower than the expenditure in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Socio-economic Disparities and Emerging Health Challenges
Key findings from the AIHW report highlight socio-economic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Individuals residing in the lowest socio-economic areas exhibit the highest rates of public health service utilization but receive the lowest rates of service. Additionally, the average number of years Australians spend in ill health has increased by approximately one year for both men and women.
Emerging health challenges include a rise in chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and chronic liver disease. These conditions are among the fastest-growing chronic health issues, contributing to the overall disease burden.
Call for Enhanced Health Spending
With about six in ten Australians currently living with chronic illness, health authorities anticipate an increase in the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions. This projection is attributed to shared risk factors and disease pathways.
Health economist Martin Hensher emphasizes the need for increased primary care to address the rising demand for healthcare services. "It is very likely to drive up the need and demand for health care," he said. "This will require either increased resources or innovative approaches to managing healthcare delivery."
Global Trends in Life Expectancy
The decline in life expectancy is not unique to Australia. Similar trends have been observed globally, with the United States and the United Kingdom experiencing even greater declines. Dr. Hensher noted that the continuous improvement in life expectancy might be slowing, a phenomenon that warrants close monitoring.
In conclusion, the AIHW report underscores the significant challenges and changes in Australia's health landscape, driven by the impacts of COVID-19 and the persistent burden of chronic conditions. As the nation navigates these complexities, strategic investments in healthcare and targeted interventions will be crucial to improving health outcomes and managing future demands.
