Bollyky TJ, et al. - Researchers analyzed data from 170 countries to study the relationship between democracy and cause-specific mortality and to examine the pathways connecting democratic rule to health gains. During the study period (1970–2015), the HIV-free life expectancy at age 15 improved significantly in countries after transitioning to democracy by an average of 3% after 10 years. If enforced by free and fair elections, democracies are more likely than autocracies to lead to health gains for mortality causes (eg, cardiovascular diseases and transportation injuries) that have not been heavily targeted by foreign aid and require infrastructure for healthcare delivery, according to findings. In their efforts to maximize health gains, especially in the context of aging populations and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, international health agencies and donors might increasingly need to consider the implications of the type of regime.