Amsterdam, Netherlands – TheNetherlands is experiencing a slower decline in excess mortality than initially anticipated, according to a newreport released by the Royal Association of Actuaries (AG). The report, which analyzed mortality data up to 2023, indicates that excess mortality isdecreasing by a quarter each year, rather than the previously projected halving.
Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths exceeding the expected number in a given period,often associated with events like pandemics. The AG had predicted a significant reduction in excess mortality in 2022, but the actual figures reveal a more gradual decline.
While excess mortality is falling, it is doing so at aslower pace than initially expected, said a spokesperson for the AG. This means that more people are still dying than anticipated, and the number is decreasing more slowly than we had hoped.
The report highlights a particular concern: the increase inmortality rates among individuals over the age of 55. This increase is more pronounced among women than men. However, the overall impact on life expectancy remains minimal, with newborn boys and girls in 2025 expected to see a decrease of just 0.1 years in life expectancy.
Despite the slowerdecline, the AG emphasizes that there is no evidence to suggest that the excess mortality is permanent. The Committee for Mortality Surveys (CSO) agrees with this assessment, stating that while the rate of decline has been revised downwards, the excess mortality is not expected to persist indefinitely.
The report comes at a time when theDutch government is facing increasing pressure to address the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Agnes Joseph, a member of the NSC, has submitted a motion calling for further investigation into the causes of excess mortality to inform future policy decisions.
We need to understand why excess mortality is declining so slowly, saidJoseph. This information is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the long-term health impacts of the pandemic and ensure the well-being of our citizens.
The AG’s report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Netherlands in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. While the country has made significant progress incontaining the virus, the lingering effects on mortality rates underscore the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the long-term health consequences.
The report also serves as a reminder that the pandemic’s impact on mortality is complex and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced understanding of the contributing factors and their long-term implications.As the Netherlands navigates its recovery, the insights from the AG’s report will be crucial for informing policy decisions and ensuring the health and well-being of its population.
Views: 0