The Air Rescue Team of FEMERAID International informs all our members, Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) about the followings:
It is incredible to see the progress we have made in terms of life expectancy. Just two hundred years ago, average life expectancy was less than half of what it is today. At that time, no country had a life expectancy of more than 40 years and our ancestors had to face the reality of early death as medical knowledge was limited and poverty was widespread.
However, things have changed drastically. The average life expectancy has steadily increased in all regions. In 2021, the global average life expectancy was just over 70 years, a significant improvement compared to the past.
Although there is still a long way to go, we have made remarkable advancements in health, such as better nutrition, access to clean water, improved sanitation, neonatal healthcare, antibiotics, vaccines and other medical technologies. Additionally, improvements in living standards, economic growth and poverty reduction have also played a role in this progress.
It is important to acknowledge that health inequalities still exist worldwide. For example, in 1950, people in Norway had a life expectancy of 72 years, while in Mali it was only 26 years. Africa as a whole had an average life expectancy of 36 years, much lower than other regions. We must continue to work towards reducing these disparities and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
Dr. Nuno Gonçalo Cosmelli
Air Physician and Director of Air Rescue Service of FEMERAID International
19th December 2023