The Impressive TimesAustralia, July 29, 2024:Covid-19 continues to contribute to elevated mortality rates, with a recent study revealing a 5% increase in deaths in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Australian Actuaries Institute reported 8,400 excess deaths, with 4,600 directly attributed to Covid-19, now the ninth leading cause of death.
The research highlighted significant non-Covid excess deaths, especially among Australians over 75, linked to prior infections and healthcare disruptions. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia saw increased risks.
Delays in healthcare and undiagnosed Covid-19 cases are contributing factors. Despite this, the excess mortality rate is lower in 2023 than in 2022. Actuaries Institute spokeswoman Karen Cutter noted, “Each successive Covid-19 wave has resulted in fewer deaths, but Covid-19 will likely cause excess mortality for years, impacting heart disease and other conditions.”
The report also shows Australia’s excess mortality is below the global average, with countries like Ecuador, Mexico, and Russia experiencing the highest rates, while New Zealand reported the lowest among 40 countries.
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