WHO releases the World health statistics 2012 report

What is the World Health Statistics report?

The World Health Statistics report, published every year, contains a WHO’s annual compilation of data from 194 countries on a range of mortality, disease and health system indicators as well as risk factors and behaviours that affect health directly. The report also includes a progress summary on health-related Millennium Development Goals and targets.

This year’s report provides evidence of the dramatic increase in the conditions that trigger heart disease and other chronic illnesses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The paper also highlights an astonishing finding - the growing plague of non-communicable diseases which currently causes almost two thirds of all deaths worldwide.

 Key facts and findings of the 2012 report:

. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the major health challenge of the 21st century with 63% of all global deaths in 2008 due to NCDs. The largest proportion of NCD deaths is caused by cardiovascular diseases (48%), followed by cancers (21%) and chronic respiratory conditions (12%).

. Obesity is another major issue. Today, 12% of the world’s population is considered obese, with women more likely to be obese than men and thus, exposed to a greater risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

. About 30% of people in the WHO European Region have raised blood pressure – a high risk condition for stroke and heart disease.

. One in 10 adults worldwide has diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, blindness and kidney failure.

. The financial risks associated with accessing health care is also an important issue. As a result of the use of health services paid out-of-pocket, it is estimated that each year up to 10% of the population in certain countries suffer from serious financial hardship and impoverishment.

. On a more positive note, maternal and child mortality has decreased worldwide. The 10 year trend for causes of child death show that public health advancements have helped save children’s lives in the past decade.

 You can download here the whole report

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