December 2012
Collecting and comparing health data from across the globe is a way to describe health problems, identify trends and help decision-makers set priorities.
Studies describe the state of global health by measuring the burden of disease - the loss of health from all causes of illness and deaths worldwide. They detail the leading causes of deaths worldwide and in every region, and provide information on more than 130 diseases and injuries across the world.
1. Around 7 million children under the age of five die each year
Almost all of these children could survive with access to simple and affordable interventions. WHO is working with governments and partners worldwide to deliver integrated, effective care and strengthen health systems, both of which are crucial to reduce child deaths.
2. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the world
Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the heart and blood vessels that can cause heart attacks and stroke. At least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular heart disease and strokes could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco.
3. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of adult death in Africa
The annual number of people dying from AIDS-related causes worldwide is steadily decreasing from a peak of 2.2 million in 2005 to an estimated 1.8 million in 2010. HIV testing and counseling uptake has improved, access to antiretroviral therapy has increased, however many people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries still do not know their HIV status.
4. Population ageing is contributing to the rise in cancer and heart disease
The increasing proportion of older people in the global population is contributing to the increase of age-associated chronic diseases, particularly in developing countries. Care-givers, health systems and societies need to be ready to cope with the growing needs of the elderly in every part of the world.
5. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer
Tobacco use is responsible for 70% of all lung cancers - it is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world.
6. Complications of pregnancy account for almost 15 % of deaths in women of reproductive age worldwide
Every day, about 800 women die due to complications of pregnancy and child birth. The risk of a woman in a developing country dying from a pregnancy-related cause during her lifetime is about 25 times higher compared to a woman living in a developed country. WHO works to improve maternal health by assisting countries to improve care before, during and after childbirth.
7. Mental disorders such as depression are among the 20 leading causes of disability worldwide
Depression affects around 350 million people worldwide and this number is projected to increase. Fewer than half of those affected have access to adequate treatment and health care.
8. Hearing loss, vision problems and mental disorders are the most common causes of disability
These disorders can affect people's lives and livelihoods, but many are easily treatable (e.g. hearing loss and cataracts). Statistics vary between higher- and lower-income countries but high overall rates of these disorders underline the need for wider access to interventions that help people live productively.
9. Nearly 3500 people die from road traffic crashes every day
Road traffic injuries are projected to increase as rising income levels in developing countries lead to increased vehicle ownership. Strong action to improve road use policies and enforce road laws will be needed to avert this increase.
10. Under-nutrition is the underlying cause of death for at least one-third of all children under age five
Inadequate breastfeeding, inappropriate food and a lack of access to highly nutritious foods contribute to the problem. Common childhood diseases affect a child's ability to eat or absorb the necessary nutrients from food.
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