About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Important to Quickly Find Global Solutions for Chronic Diseases

by Savitha C Muppala on September 19, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Font : A-A+

 Important to Quickly Find Global Solutions for Chronic Diseases

Policymakers must hasten to put an end to the spread of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Authors Dr. K. M. Venkat Narayan, Dr. Mohammed Ali and Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, assert that the worldwide spread of chronic conditions, also known as noncommunicable diseases, offers a unique opportunity for low-, middle- and high-income countries around the globe to unite in their efforts to find tangible solutions for reducing the health and economic burdens of these diseases.

Advertisement

Chronic diseases account for 60 percent of all deaths worldwide.

Trends also suggest that the major risk factors for these diseases - hypertension, high glucose levels, obesity, and inactivity - are all on the rise, especially in developing countries.
Advertisement

Six out of the 10 risk factors for mortality worldwide are related to chronic noncommunicable diseases, and not infections or lack of nutrition, as was previously the case.

In addition to the health consequences, the long-term costs of treatment of chronic ailments and the negative effects on productivity take devastating tolls on the economic situations of individuals, families and countries. According to estimates,

China, India and Britain will lose 558 billion dollars, 237 billion dollars, and 33 billion dollars, respectively, in national income over the next decade as a result of largely preventable heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

In the U.S., cardiovascular disease and diabetes together cost the country 750 billion dollars annually.

"There is a unique opportunity now for global cooperation to tackle noncommunicable diseases. In fact, unless noncommunicable diseases are tackled, goals relating to child health and infectious diseases cannot be achieved nor can economic development be sustained," says Narayan.

Narayan and his co-authors also cite examples of how global cooperation and connections have benefited the movement to reduce chronic disease, including the development and testing of a new screening test for cervical cancer in India that could result in a lower cost screening test for millions of women worldwide.

The study has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Source: ANI
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest General Health News

What Are the Consequences of Celebrities Endorsing Tobacco?
In India, youth must be aware of the diseases linked to cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption, causing a form of healthcare emergency.
 People Living Close to the Seaside Enjoy Better Health
Direct coastal access may represent a viable route to public health promotion, but the relationships of coastal living are not strongest among lower-income groups.
 Over Four Million Gardeners Place Their Hearing in Danger
New research by Tinnitus UK has found that over four million gardeners are putting their hearing capacity at risk this summer without using safety protection.
Breaking the Barrier: Unraveling Mucus Plugs to Save Lives in COPD
Mucus plugs could be targeted to help reduce fatalities from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Continue to Drive Up Healthcare Cost
The development of reliable curative therapies for multiple sclerosis could significantly reduce the economic burden of the disease on patients and wider society.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Important to Quickly Find Global Solutions for Chronic Diseases Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests