In the recent news, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 Global Health Estimates was released. This comprehensive study gives an assessment of mortality and health loss due to diseases and injuries across all world regions, covering the period from 2000 to 2019. The report is consistent with WHO’s ‘Ten Threats to Global Health in 2019’.
Key Findings of the Global Health Estimates 2019
The report revealed the top ten causes of death as Ischaemic heart disease, Stroke, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lower respiratory infections, Neonatal conditions, Trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, Diarrhoeal diseases, Diabetes mellitus and Kidney diseases.
Non-communicable Diseases on a Rise
Non-communicable diseases now make up 7 out of the top 10 causes of death, a significant increase from 4 in 2000. Heart disease now accounts for 16% of total deaths, with deaths from this disease rising by over 2 million since 2000. Deaths from diabetes have also increased by 70% globally between 2000 and 2019, with an 80% rise among males.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Women Most Affected
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia ranked third in both the Americas and Europe in 2019, with women being disproportionately impacted. Globally, 65% of deaths from Alzheimer’s and dementia are women.
Still a Challenge: Communicable Diseases
Despite the rise in non-communicable diseases, communicable ones still significantly impact low-income countries. Malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS still rank amongst the top 10 causes of death in these areas. However, there’s been a general decline in deaths caused by these diseases since 2000.
Notable Declines
AIDS dropped from the 8th leading cause of death in 2000 to 19th in 2019. This change reflects the success of efforts to prevent infection, test for the virus, and treat the disease over the last two decades. Similarly, tuberculosis is no longer in the global top 10, falling from 7th place in 2000 to 13th in 2019.
Increasing Longevity but More Disability
The estimates confirm that people are living longer, with global life expectancy increasing by over 6 years between 2000 and 2019. However, there’s an accompanying trend of increasing disability.
Suggested Approaches
The WHO estimates highlight a need for a greater worldwide focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and injuries. Additionally, there’s a significant need to improve primary health care equitably and holistically. Investments in data and health information systems are also needed for timely and effective decision-making.
Indian Initiatives to Improve Health sector
India has several initiatives to improve its health sector, including Ayushman Bharat, a flagship initiative that aims to provide universal healthcare. The POSHAN Abhiyaan focuses on service delivery and interventions using technology, whilst the National Digital Health Mission aims to create a complete digital health ecosystem.
