Understanding the leading causes of mortality is essential for guiding health policies and raising public awareness. From January to May 2024, the total number of registered deaths in the Philippines was recorded at 195,887. This figure marks a significant reduction compared to the 286,367 deaths registered during the same period in 2023. The decrease translates to a 31.6 percent decline in mortality, indicating a notable improvement in the number of lives lost year-on-year. Such a considerable reduction raises important questions about potential contributing factors, including improvements in healthcare access, public health interventions, or other socio-economic changes that may have influenced the trend (Figure 1).

Between January and May of 2023 and 2024, the top 20 causes of death remained consistent for both years. Ischaemic Heart Diseases continued to occupy the leading position in the list, while Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue ranked as the 20th cause. These patterns reflect ongoing health trends and underline the persistent burden of cardiovascular diseases. In 2024, these top 20 causes accounted for 85.6 percent of the total number of deaths, showing a slight increase from 84.3 percent in 2023. This rise suggests a modest shift in the distribution of causes, highlighting the continued prominence of these diseases in contributing to overall mortality. The consistency of these rankings emphasizes the importance of addressing these major health challenges to reduce their impact on public health (Figure 2).

Ischemic Heart Diseases remain the leading cause of mortality, with 53,941 deaths recorded in 2023 and 39,193 in 2024. Neoplasms ranked second, with 30,097 deaths in 2023 and 21,438 in 2024, followed by Cerebrovascular Diseases, which accounted for 29,416 and 19,893 deaths in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Other significant contributors include Pneumonia, Diabetes Mellitus, and Hypertensive Diseases, all of which consistently rank high in the list. On the lower end, Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue accounted for the fewest deaths, with 2,373 in 2023 and 1,579 in 2024. While the overall rankings remained consistent, the data reveals a decline in the number of deaths for most causes between 2023 and 2024 (Figure 3). 

In summary, the consistency in the rankings of the top 20 causes of death between January and May for both 2023 and 2024 underscores the ongoing burden of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases in the Philippines. While there is a slight decrease in the number of deaths across most causes in 2024, these conditions still account for a significant majority of overall mortality, emphasizing the need for sustained public health interventions and preventive measures. Addressing the leading causes, such as ischemic heart diseases and Neoplasms, alongside enhancing awareness and access to healthcare, remains crucial in reducing preventable deaths and improving the nation’s overall health outcomes. This data serves as a vital resource for guiding policy decisions and strengthening healthcare strategies to meet these persistent challenges.

(SGD)GEMMA N. OPIS
Chief Statistical Specialist
PSA PSO Marinduque

GNO/ASLL