The Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 shows a trend of chronic diseases from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 revealed that as life expectancy increases, the incidence of non-fatal diseases and injuries is on the rise. The Global Burden of Disease Study gathers data regarding the patterns and trends of health parameters and disease conditions. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the information provided by the study is useful for governments and policy makers to decide on budget allocations and make plans for providing health services to the population.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 compiled data for acute and chronic diseases and injuries, and years living with disability (YLD) from 188 countries between 1990 and 2013. YLD takes into account health issues that cause pain, decreased mobility, hearing loss and vision loss, but are not fatal. The study evaluated 301 diseases and injuries and their 2337 sequelae. Data was obtained through several sources like systematic reviews, household surveys, hospital discharges and publications.
The study revealed some interesting facts:
a) Tension-type headaches,
b) Iron-deficiency anemia,
c) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency trait,
e) Asymptomatic genital herpes,
g) and Ascariasis (a round worm infestation).
A detailed look at the list will reveal that among chronic diseases, non-communicable diseases are becoming more common than infectious diseases.
Thus, the aim of the health care policies should be directed not only at – live long but also – live healthy. A number of conditions that are associated with YLD can be prevented. Thus, the governments should direct their resources to these ailments to reduce the global burden of disease.
Reference:
Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. www.thelancet.com Published Online June 8, 2015 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60692-4
Source-Medindia