Familiarize Yourself With The World Health Organization
Familiarize Yourself With The World Health Organization WHO Byvisit
Familiarize yourself with the World Health Organization (WHO) by visiting its website. In 3-5 pages, first, identify a country to research (select one which you do not reside). Provide a brief statistical overview of the country you selected, including population, gross national income per capita, total expenditure on health, and the probability of dying in varying age groups. Second, determine what the three (3) top causes of death in that country are. Finally, research and answer the following questions, providing support for your answers: How do the causes of death in that country deteriorate one's health? What are the risk factors in the country that cause the population to most likely die from these causes? Has the country had any recent outbreaks (e.g., Swine Flu)? What is the life expectancy of individuals in that country? Provide citations and references for your material in APA style.
Paper For Above instruction
Familiarize Yourself With The World Health Organization WHO Byvisit
The task requires selecting a country distinct from the author’s residence and researching vital health and demographic statistics, the predominant causes of death, and pertinent health issues within that country. For this analysis, I have chosen India, a populous and diverse country with unique health challenges. This report encompasses a brief statistical overview, identification of the leading causes of mortality, an analysis of how these causes deteriorate health, the risk factors contributing to these causes, recent health outbreaks, and the life expectancy of the population, supported by credible citations and APA-formatted references.
Statistical Overview of India
India is the second most populous country globally, with an estimated population of approximately 1.39 billion people as of 2023 (United Nations, 2023). The gross national income (GNI) per capita for India stands at roughly $2,120, reflecting its developing economy (World Bank, 2023). Total health expenditure in India is approximately 3.5% of its GDP, which is relatively low compared to global standards, indicating resource limitations in healthcare provision (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The probability of dying before age five in India is about 33 per 1,000 live births, and the probability of dying between ages 15-60 varies notably, with higher risks due to communicable and non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2022). These statistics highlight both ongoing health challenges and areas requiring targeted interventions.
Top Causes of Death in India
India’s leading causes of death include ischemic heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and stroke. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2021), ischemic heart disease ranks as the foremost cause of mortality, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke. These non-communicable diseases are increasingly prevalent due to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and aging populations. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases also contribute significantly but have declined with improved public health measures (GBD, 2021).
Impact of Causes of Death on Health
The causes of death in India, notably ischemic heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses, severely deteriorate individual health by leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality. Cardiovascular diseases, for example, cause chronic symptoms, limit physical activity, and incur economic burdens for families. Respiratory diseases like COPD impair lung function and diminish daily functioning, exacerbating health inequalities, especially among low-income populations. These conditions often require long-term management, yet access to quality healthcare remains uneven, further worsening health outcomes (WHO, 2022).
Risk Factors Contributing to the Causes of Death
Several risk factors underpin the high prevalence of these diseases. The major modifiable risks include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and air pollution. Urbanization has led to increased exposure to ambient air pollution, which is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions (Gore et al., 2018). Additionally, high rates of tobacco consumption, particularly among men, contribute considerably to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses (WHO, 2022). Socioeconomic disparities also influence health outcomes, limiting access to preventive and curative healthcare, thereby increasing vulnerability to these causes of death (Rao et al., 2019).
Recent Outbreaks and Public Health Emergencies
India faced a significant COVID-19 outbreak beginning in 2020, which overwhelmed healthcare resources and exposed gaps in systemic preparedness. The pandemic resulted in high mortality, especially among vulnerable groups, and disrupted routine health services (John et al., 2021). Prior to COVID-19, India experienced outbreaks of diseases like swine flu (H1N1), dengue, and chikungunya, reflecting ongoing challenges with vector-borne and respiratory illnesses (WHO, 2022). These outbreaks underscore the importance of strengthening infectious disease surveillance and response systems.
Life Expectancy in India
The average life expectancy at birth in India is approximately 69 years, with women typically living longer than men (World Bank, 2023). Despite improvements in healthcare and sanitation, disparities persist across regions, socioeconomic groups, and urban-rural divides. Life expectancy has increased over recent decades, driven by reductions in infant mortality and infectious diseases, but non-communicable diseases now represent a major challenge for sustaining longevity gains (ILO, 2022). Addressing risk factors and improving healthcare infrastructure are essential for further enhancement of life expectancy.
Conclusion
India exemplifies a country facing a complex interplay of infectious and non-communicable diseases that significantly impact population health. The prominent causes of death—cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and stroke—are exacerbated by risk factors such as pollution, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic disparities. Recent outbreaks like COVID-19 have further stressed the health system. Continuous efforts to address modifiable risks, improve healthcare delivery, and strengthen disease surveillance are vital for improving overall health outcomes and extending life expectancy in India.
References
- Global Burden of Disease Study. (2021). Global burden of disease study 2021. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. https://www.healthdata.org
- Gore, C., et al. (2018). Air pollution and cardiovascular health in India. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 148(4), 401–413.
- John, N., et al. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare delivery in India. BMJ Global Health, 6(3), e004005.
- Rao, K. D., et al. (2019). Socioeconomic inequalities and health in India. The Lancet, 394(10193), 1579–1592.
- United Nations. (2023). World population prospects: The 2022 revision. https://population.un.org/wpp/
- World Bank. (2023). India overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india
- World Health Organization. (2022). India country health profile. https://www.who.int/india/data
- International Labour Organization. (2022). India's demographic trends and health outcomes. ILO Report.