The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly three-quarters of global deaths, despite global life expectancy recovering to 73.3 years in 2023. According to the WHO's latest Global Health Estimates, released on October 2, NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, have become a growing global health challenge. This trend is observed in Ghana and other countries worldwide.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, while diabetes, dementia, anxiety, and depression continue to contribute substantially to illness and disability. The WHO's report highlights that deaths associated with dementia have tripled since 2000, reflecting the increasing burden of age-related and chronic conditions. This significant increase in dementia-related deaths is a concern for health systems and policymakers.
Diabetes is emerging as a major cause of death across many regions, while anxiety and depression drive higher numbers of years lived in poor health. The WHO stresses that gains in life expectancy are increasingly being accompanied by rising demand for prevention, treatment, and long-term care services for chronic diseases. This shift in disease patterns requires adjustments in healthcare systems.
The WHO encourages individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles to improve healthy life expectancy. Recommendations include eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, getting adequate sleep, and undertaking regular health checks. By making these lifestyle changes, people can reduce their risk of developing NCDs.
The organisation also encourages people experiencing mental health challenges to seek appropriate support and professional help. The WHO's report highlights the importance of strengthening disease prevention measures and building health systems capable of responding to changing disease patterns and the growing burden of NCDs. This requires a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of NCDs.
In Ghana, as in other countries, the rising burden of NCDs poses significant challenges to the healthcare system. The Ghana News Agency has received a statement from the WHO, underscoring the need for urgent action to address this growing health challenge. The WHO's report serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent NCDs.
The WHO's Global Health Estimates provide a critical assessment of the global health landscape, highlighting trends and patterns in disease and mortality. By understanding these trends, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to address the growing burden of NCDs and promote better health outcomes. The report's findings have significant implications for healthcare systems and policymakers worldwide.
Key points
- Noncommunicable diseases account for 74% of global deaths
- Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally
- WHO encourages healthier lifestyles to improve healthy life expectancy
