Have medical breakthroughs improved human life expectancy?

Yes, dramatically. In 1900, global life expectancy was about 32 years; today, it exceeds 73. Vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, and advanced medicine are key drivers. For example, polio has been nearly eradicated, and antiretroviral therapy transformed HIV/AIDS from fatal to manageable. Cancer survival rates have also improved thanks to new therapies. Media literacy ensures people appreciate these evidence-backed advances instead of focusing solely on remaining challenges. Fact-based truth: medical innovation is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, saving billions of lives and extending healthy years of living.