As we discussed with many people here on what are actual "success criteria" of a political and economic system, I tend to agree that GDP on its own is largely distorted because it does not reflect inequality.

Here's an interesting publication that shows a very strong correlation between GNI per capita and mortality due to infectious diseases. In short: wealthier countries better protect people from infectious diseases.

https://academic.oup.com/heapol/article/33/suppl_1/i14/2996762