China’s life expectancy soars to 79, but demographic woes also on the climb

China’s Life Expectancy Soars: A Mark of Progress in Public Health

In a recent address, Lei Haichao, Minister of the National Health Commission, highlighted the remarkable progress China has made in improving public health. The average life expectancy in China reached 79 years in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare journey. This represents an increase of 0.4 years compared to 2023 and a rise of 1.7 years since 2019. Lei emphasized that such progress is noteworthy, especially when contrasted with global standards. In most countries where life expectancy exceeds 75 years, the annual increase typically ranges from only 0.1 to 0.2 years. This places China in a league of its own, demonstrating the effectiveness of its public health strategies.

Data compiled from 53 middle- and high-income countries further underscores China’s achievements. According to Lei, China ranks fourth globally in terms of life expectancy and 10th among the G20 nations. These rankings are a testament to the country’s commitment to healthcare improvement. Moreover, several regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan, have surpassed the 80-year milestone in life expectancy. This indicates that China still has considerable potential for further increases in life expectancy, with Lei expressing optimism about continued improvements in the future.

The Challenges of Rising Life Expectancy: A Growing Health Concern

While the increase in life expectancy is a cause for celebration, it also brings its own set of challenges. Lei highlighted a growing public health concern: abnormal body weight, which includes both overweight and underweight individuals. This issue is driven by improved living standards, higher caloric intake, and reduced physical activity. The rise in abnormal body weight elevates the risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Lei stressed the importance of addressing lifestyle-related risk factors, emphasizing that it is crucial for China to take proactive measures to mitigate these challenges.

Projections from the National Health Commission reveal that by 2030, as many as 65.3 percent of China’s population could be overweight or obese. This alarming trend underscores the need for individual responsibility in health management. Lei urged each individual to take ownership of their health, recognizing that public health is not just a collective effort but also a personal one. While the government continues to play a pivotal role in shaping health policies, the active participation of citizens is essential to combating these challenges effectively.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare: The Cornerstone of China’s Health Strategy

To address these challenges, Lei emphasized the need to enhance primary healthcare, which forms the cornerstone of China’s "new era healthcare strategy." The country’s healthcare system is extensive, with over 600,000 primary healthcare institutions and more than 5 million frontline workers delivering preventive, medical, and rehabilitation services across towns, villages, and communities. This vast network is a testament to China’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

Local governments have further strengthened medical access by expanding medical insurance to over 90 percent of village clinics. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has invested nearly 900 million yuan (US$124.4 million) in upgrading medical equipment in township hospitals across central and western China. These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from modern medical advancements.

Future Priorities: Expanding Access and Integrating Innovation

Looking ahead, China’s healthcare strategy is focused on several key priorities. Strengthening primary healthcare services remains a top priority, with plans to expand county-level healthcare alliances. The goal is for 90 percent of counties to meet the "tight-knit" standard by the end of the year, with full national coverage expected by 2027. This initiative aims to ensure seamless integration of healthcare services, making high-quality care more accessible to all citizens.

In addition to expanding healthcare alliances, China is exploring innovative measures to enhance service quality. One such measure is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostics, which has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Furthermore, per capita basic public health funding is set to increase by 5 yuan, reaching 99 yuan, to further boost service quality. These steps demonstrate China’s commitment to leveraging technology and increasing investment to create a more robust healthcare system.

A Demographic Time Bomb: The Pressures of an Ageing Population

While China celebrates its progress in public health, it also faces significant demographic challenges. An ageing population, coupled with falling birth rates, is expected to exert considerable pressure on social security systems and the labour market. This demographic shift could have far-reaching implications for economic growth, as a shrinking workforce struggles to support a growing elderly population. The ageing population presents a complex challenge that requires comprehensive and multifaceted solutions.

Lei’s address serves as a reminder that while China has made remarkable strides in improving life expectancy, it must also address the challenges that come with an ageing society. The interplay between public health advancements and demographic pressures underscores the need for a balanced approach to healthcare and social policy. As China continues to navigate this complex landscape, the lessons learned from its successes and challenges will be invaluable for other countries facing similar demographic shifts.

Conclusion: Embracing Progress While Addressing Emerging Challenges

In conclusion, China’s progress in increasing life expectancy is a testament to its commitment to public health and healthcare improvement. The country’s strategic focus on primary healthcare, innovative technologies, and individual responsibility has yielded impressive results. However, the challenges posed by abnormal body weight and an ageing population cannot be overlooked. As China moves forward, it must continue to prioritize healthcare access, innovation, and policies that address demographic pressures. By doing so, the country can ensure that its healthcare system remains resilient and capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly changing population. China’s journey in public health is a story of progress, but it is also a reminder that health is a continuous journey requiring constant vigilance and innovation.