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Global Stroke Deaths Estimated to Increase by 50%

  • 10 Oct 2023

A new study published reveals that the global number of stroke-related deaths is projected to surge by 50% to 9.7 million annually by 2050, potentially costing up to USD 2.3 trillion each year, unless immediate measures are implemented.

Key Points

  • Growing Health and Economic Impact: The study forecasts a significant rise in both health and economic consequences associated with stroke between 2020 and 2050.
  • The impact will be particularly pronounced in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Increasing Stroke Cases: Over the past three decades, the number of people affected by stroke, dying from it, or experiencing disability due to stroke has nearly doubled globally.
  • LMICs bear the brunt of this increase, with stroke prevalence rising at a faster rate than in high-income countries (HICs).
  • Sustainable Development Goal: If current trends persist, it is unlikely that the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, aimed at reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases like stroke by one-third by 2030, will be met.
  • Achieving this goal would require USD 140 billion in new spending between 2023 and 2030, with benefits outweighing costs tenfold.
  • The Toll of Stroke: Stroke takes a significant toll on global populations, resulting in millions of deaths and disabilities each year, along with substantial economic costs.
  • Predictions for 2050: By 2050, the annual global stroke-related deaths are expected to increase by 50%, reaching 9.7 million from 6.6 million in 2020.
  • The majority of these deaths will occur in LMICs, with the gap between LMICs and HICs widening.
  • Asia will account for the largest share of global stroke deaths, rising from 61% in 2020 to around 69% in 2050.
  • Rising Stroke Deaths in Africa: Sub-Saharan African countries will also see an increase in annual stroke deaths, from 6% in 2020 to 8% in 2050.
  • Factors contributing to this increase include uncontrolled risk factors, such as high blood pressure, and inadequate stroke prevention and care services.