COVID-19 Still Driving High Mortality Rates in This Country

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In a recent report, experts have highlighted that COVID-19 is still significantly affecting Australia’s mortality rate, with research indicating that the excess mortality rate remains above pre-pandemic levels. The Australian Actuaries Institute released findings on Monday showing that in 2023, the number of deaths exceeded expectations by five percent, equating to approximately 8,400 excess deaths.

The study assessed deaths directly and indirectly associated with COVID-19, revealing that the excess mortality rate continues to surpass pre-pandemic figures. Of the total excess deaths, around 4,600 were directly attributed to COVID-19, making it the ninth leading cause of death in Australia last year.

The impact of COVID-19 on non-COVID-19 related deaths was particularly noticeable among Australians aged 75 and older. Factors such as previous infections, disruptions in healthcare services, and delays in routine or emergency care have been linked to increased risks of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. The report also noted that undiagnosed COVID-19 might have contributed to the higher-than-normal death rate.

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Despite the ongoing challenges, the report found a decrease in excess mortality in 2023 compared to 2022. Karen Cutter, a spokeswoman for the Actuaries Institute, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It’s encouraging that each successive COVID-19 wave has, so far, resulted in fewer deaths than the previous one. However, we anticipate that COVID-19 will continue to contribute to excess mortality for several years, either directly or as a factor in other health conditions like heart disease.”

Cutter also noted that the "new normal" mortality rate is expected to be higher than it would have been without the pandemic’s impact.

Comparatively, Australia’s excess mortality rate is lower than the global average. Countries such as Ecuador, Mexico, and Russia report the highest rates of unexplained deaths, while New Zealand has the lowest excess mortality rate among the 40 countries for which data is available.