The covid-related mortality between 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 is calculated partly on the basis of deaths linked to individuals who have actually contracted the virus, but also the number of deaths that can be indirectly linked to the pandemic – such as the virus’ impact on healthcare systems and society.

The excess mortality is calculated on the basis of the difference between deaths that have occurred and the number of individuals who are expected to die if the pandemic has never occurred.

WHO calculates excess mortality

“These sober figures point not only to the effects of the pandemic but also to the need for countries to invest in more resilient health systems that can maintain the necessary care during crises, including a stronger health information system,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the press release.

The WHO has calculated the excess mortality based on the difference between deaths that have occurred and the number of individuals who are expected to die if the pandemic has never occurred.

Middle-income countries accounted for just over 80 percent of total excess mortality, and according to WHO countries were hit hardest in Southeast Asia along with Europe and North and South America.