Fewer premature deaths and longer life expectancy

The ASPB report “Health in Barcelona” shows that in 2023 life expectancy stood at 87.5 for women and 82 for men, figures which were very similar to those for 2019, before the impact of the pandemic. Cardiovascular illnesses and tumours continue to be the main causes of death.

As for premature deaths from cancer, these have dropped considerably among both sexes thanks to improvements in prevention, early detection and treatments. In 2023, breast cancer was the main cause of premature death among women, while suicide was the main cause among men.

Good vaccine coverage among children

The report highlights fulfilment of the children’s vaccination calendar, with 86% of minors up to the age of 14 correctly vaccinated. Some territorial differences exist and coverage diminishes by age, meaning that vaccination needs to continue being promoted as one of the most effective public health measures to reduce transmissible illnesses.

Mental health as one of the main challenges

Anxiety and depression are the most commonly diagnosed problems by primary healthcare services. In 2024, nearly 29,500 new cases of anxiety were recorded, more frequently among women and young people, also in the neighbourhoods with lowest incomes. New cases of depression were also more common among women and increase by age. Nearly 9,300 cases were recorded in 2024.

Less impact from pollution

The improvement in air quality in the city has also helped reduce mortality and illnesses linked to pollution. The assessment also concludes that deaths caused by chronic exposure to pollution have dropped by 32%. New cases of asthma from this cause are down by 28%, dropping from 1,100 in the pre-pandemic period (2018-19) to 800 at present (2020-2024). The report also shows that if Barcelona reaches the air pollution limits established for 2030, there could be a further drop of 40%.

Levels of NO2 in the city continued to drop in 2024 and particles remain stable. All  monitoring stations complied with European legal air-quality limits but in general do not reach the  future legal limits for 2030 or the health protection levels recommended by the World Health Organization.

Water quality maintained during the drought

In the physical realm, the report notes that the drought was also a significant environmental challenge for the city in 2024. The lack of rain and levels of water reserves can affect people’s health in various ways. For instance, the population may be more exposed to chemical and microbiological pollutants present in water used for consumption or recreation.

The Barcelona Public Health Agency has monitored the quality of safe water intensely, ensuring that regulations were met during the drought. The report is positive about how the quality of drinking water around the city’s network was maintained despite the shortage.

Boost for communal health to reduce inequalities

The analysis by the ASPB notes that differences between the various territories persist and are associated with determining factors relating to health, economic, social and gender aspects. The communal health strategy “Barcelona Health in the Neighbourhoods” (BSaB), which entailed 230 actions in 26 neighbourhoods in 2024, will be extended to 11 further neighbourhoods in the city as part of the current Government measure on community health and primary healthcare in the city of Barcelona (2024-2030).

Essential tool to improve quality of life

The ASPB report “Health in Barcelona” is an essential tool for monitoring the state of the city’s health, paying special attention to social inequalities in health. It helps identify new challenges to continue driving polices that improve the population’s health and quality of life.