Nearly 56 Million People Died Globally In 2016
Nearly 56 Million People Died Globally In 2016 More Than Half Of All
Nearly 56 million people died globally in 2016. More than half of all deaths in low-income countries in 2016 were caused by communicable diseases, maternal causes, and nutritional deficiencies. List the Top 10 Global Causes of Death from 2016. Why is it important to know the reasons individuals die? Choose two of the top 10 and discuss their frequency in the world and threat to decreased life expectancy in the present day. Use words, using APA Citations and Format as appropriate.
Paper For Above instruction
The year 2016 marked a critical point in global health, with approximately 56 million deaths recorded worldwide. Understanding the causes behind these deaths is pivotal for shaping effective public health policies, allocating resources efficiently, and ultimately improving lifespan and quality of life globally. The top 10 causes of death provide insights into the prevailing health challenges and highlight areas requiring urgent intervention. They include ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018).
Knowing the reasons why individuals die is essential for multiple reasons. First, it helps policymakers develop targeted health strategies to combat the most pressing health threats. Second, it enables international organizations and governments to prioritize investments in health infrastructure and preventive measures. Third, understanding disease patterns can guide research efforts toward developing vaccines, treatments, and health promotion initiatives that address the root causes of common maladies. Consequently, this knowledge plays an integral role in reducing mortality rates and increasing life expectancy worldwide.
Among the top causes of death, ischemic heart disease and lower respiratory infections are particularly significant due to their prevalence and impact. Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, accounted for approximately 16% of all deaths globally in 2016 (WHO, 2018). It is characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often resulting from atherosclerosis. Risk factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, and genetic predisposition. Despite advances in medical treatment, ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death, especially in high-income countries where lifestyle-related risk factors are prevalent (Benjamin et al., 2019). Its persistent high mortality rate continues to threaten global life expectancy, underscoring the need for lifestyle modifications and improved clinical interventions.
Lower respiratory infections, which include pneumonia and bronchitis, are the second leading infectious cause of death, responsible for approximately 3.7 million deaths in 2016 (WHO, 2018). These infections disproportionately affect children under five and the elderly, especially in low-income countries where access to healthcare is limited. The burden of these infections is exacerbated by poor sanitation, malnutrition, and lack of vaccination coverage. Their high mortality rate significantly hampers progress in increasing life expectancy in poorer regions. Despite vaccine availability for diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia, challenges remain in widespread immunization and treatment accessibility, making it a persistent threat to global health (Roth et al., 2018).
The ongoing prevalence of these diseases illustrates the broader importance of preventive healthcare, health education, and improved access to medical services. Addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and education, alongside healthcare interventions, is critical to reducing the burden of heart disease and respiratory infections. Furthermore, ongoing research into vaccines and treatments continues to be essential for decreasing mortality rates associated with these conditions.
In conclusion, understanding the main causes of death worldwide, particularly ischemic heart disease and lower respiratory infections, is vital for guiding global health policies. As their prevalence and impact threaten to decrease life expectancy further, targeted interventions, preventive measures, and equitable healthcare access are crucial. By focusing on these issues, the global community can progress toward reducing preventable deaths and extending healthy lifespans for all populations.
References
Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., Bittencourt, M. S., Callaway, C. W., Carson, A. P., ... & Virani, S. S. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56-e528.
Roth, G. A., Johnson, C., Abajobir, A. A., Abd-Allah, F., Abera, S. F., Abyu, G., ... & Lopez, A. D. (2018). Global, regional, and national burden of cardiovascular diseases for 10 causes, 1990 to 2015. The Lancet, 391(10120), 2388-2403.
World Health Organization. (2018). The top 10 causes of death. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death