How many deaths are preventable?

Death is the most severe marker of harm. However, not all deaths are necessary. Prevention can reduce premature deaths. Here we share the extent of the problem.

On average, half a million deaths (n=545,122 ) are registered each year in England and Wales by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). But many of these deaths are considered preventable.

What are preventable deaths?

According to the ONS, preventable mortality describes a death that can be “avoided through effective public health and primary preventi…