Report gives insight into global disease

Wednesday October 29th, 2008

Heart disease is one of the big killers in all countries, whether rich or poor, according to a new analysis.

The new report on the global burden of disease has been published by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The report, published on October 27, provides a "comprehensive picture of the global and regional state of health", say the WHO. It includes comparisons between countries and age groups for deaths, diseases and injuries for the year 2004, and projections of deaths and disease for the year 2030.

The 148-page report finds that the top five causes of death in low-income countries are pneumonia, heart disease, diarrhoea, HIV/Aids and stroke. The top five causes of death in high-income countries are heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, pneumonia, and asthma/bronchitis.

It also states that ninety per cent of child deaths due to malaria and HIV/Aids occur in Africa, and that men between 15 and 60 years of age have a much higher risk of death than women in every country, mainly due to higher levels of heart disease and injury, often due to violence and conflict.

The report highlights the fact that depression is the leading cause of "years lost due to disability", and is 50 per cent more common in females than males. Alcohol is also a major cause of disability in both low- and high -income countries.

Lead author, Colin Mathers, said: "It is vital that we have a global and regional picture of deaths, disease and disability. It enables policy makers and countries to identify the gaps and ensure that help and efforts are directed to those who are most in need.

"Countries can use the information to create strategies and cost-effective interventions aimed at improving health across the world."

Tags: Africa | Heart Health | World Health

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