WHO Secretary Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said of the latest developments: world health statistics Covering data through 2022, the health check “sent a stark message about the growing threat of non-communicable diseases, with their devastating toll on lives, livelihoods, health systems, communities, economies and societies. are sending
The report calls for a “significant increase in investment in health care and health systems to put them back on track for reintegration.” sustainable development goals (SDGs),” added the Executive Director.
Threats to future generations
The WHO says that despite progress in overall health, the number of NCDs is increasing and if this trend continues, by around 2050 there will be more than 100,000 diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disease. He said it meant 86 percent of the 90 million population had chronic diseases. Annual fatalities: a staggering 90% increase in absolute numbers since 2019.
Overall, the report highlights the “stagnation of health progress in key health indicators in recent years” compared to trends seen between 2000 and 2015, the WHO said. It also warns of the growing threat posed by climate change and calls on countries around the world to take a stronger and more coordinated response to address the growing health problem.
Number of deaths due to COVID-19
The report documents the latest statistics on the impact of the pandemic on global health, which contributes to the continued decline in progress towards the SDGs. From 2020 to 2021, COVID-19 brought 336.8 million years of life lost globally. This equates to an average of 22 years of life lost per excess death, suddenly and tragically shortening millions of lives.
life expectancy is still rising
Since 2000, Maternal and child health have improved significantly The WHO said the death toll had fallen by a third and a half, respectively. The incidence of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria has also decreased. Reduced risk of early death From NCDs and injuries.
Together, these advances Life expectancy in the world will increase from 67 years in 2000 to 73 years in 2019.
However, the pandemic has pushed many health-related indicators further off track, contributing to inequalities in access to quality healthcare, routine immunization and financial protection. as a result, Trends reversed in malaria and tuberculosis, fewer people receiving treatment for neglected tropical diseases (NTD).
A 46-year-old Cambodian man who lost one leg due to diabetes. An estimated 36 million people die annually worldwide from non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Photo: IRIN
stagnation
Here are some signs of recent trends: Slowdown in annual reduction rate According to the WHO report on many indicators (ARR).
Despite reductions in exposure to many health risks, including smoking, alcohol consumption, violence, unsafe water and sanitation, and child stunting, progress has been insufficient, Exposure to some risks, such as air pollution, remains high.
Strikingly, the prevalence of obesity is on the rise without any immediate signs of recovery, the WHO said, adding: “The expansion of access to essential health services has slowed compared to increases prior to 2015. “While there is no significant progress in alleviating the economic hardship caused by medical costs,” he said.
no guarantee of progress
“The COVID-19 pandemic is an important reminder of the following: Progress is neither linear nor guaranteedwarned Dr Samira Asma, WHO’s Under-Secretary-General for Data, Analysis and Delivery. She said, “To stay on track towards the 2030 SDG agenda, We must act decisively and in unity To have a visible impact on all countries. ”
climate change
This year’s report includes a dedicated section on climate change and health for the first time, and WHO expects this to become more relevant in future reports.