Context:
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report recently launched at the World Health Summit in Berlin and published in The Lancet. The report underscores a crucial transition: from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the leading causes of death in India.
Major Findings from the Recent GBD Report:
1. Mortality & Life Expectancy Trends
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- Global life expectancy has recovered from the COVID‑19 dip. For 2023, life expectancy stands at 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men. The age‑standardized mortality rate has declined by about 67% globally since 1950.
- All 204 countries and territories recorded declines in overall death rates.
- Global life expectancy has recovered from the COVID‑19 dip. For 2023, life expectancy stands at 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men. The age‑standardized mortality rate has declined by about 67% globally since 1950.
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2. Rise of Non‑Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
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- Non‑communicable diseases now account for nearly two‑thirds of global mortality and morbidity.
- Non‑communicable diseases now account for nearly two‑thirds of global mortality and morbidity.
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3. Youth & Adolescents: An Emerging Concern
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- Despite overall mortality decline, the death rates among adolescents and young adults have either stagnated or risen in certain regions.
- In North America and parts of Latin America, increases are linked to suicide, drug use, alcohol, especially among young women.
- In sub‑Saharan Africa, infectious diseases, unintentional injuries, and maternal causes remain prominent among youth mortality.
- Despite overall mortality decline, the death rates among adolescents and young adults have either stagnated or risen in certain regions.
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About India's findings:
The report reveals a major epidemiological shift in India — from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the leading causes of death.
· In 1990, diarrhoeal diseases were the top cause of death, with an Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR) of 300.53 per lakh.
· By 2023, ischaemic heart disease became the leading cause (ASMR: 127.82 per lakh), followed by:
o Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – ASMR: 99.25 per lakh
o Stroke – ASMR: 92.88 per lakh
· COVID-19, the top cause of death in 2021, fell dramatically to 20th position by 2023.
This transition aligns with global trends, as NCDs now account for nearly two-thirds of global mortality and morbidity, led by heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
About Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report:
The GBD is coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in the U.S., involving a global network of over 16,500 scientists using more than 300,000 data sources.
It provides comprehensive quantitative estimates of deaths, disability (DALYs), disease prevalence, and risk factor attribution by age, sex, location, and time.
Implications for Policy and Governance:
· Public Health Planning: The transition demands a realignment of healthcare infrastructure towards NCD screening, early diagnosis, and long-term care.
· Preventive Healthcare: Emphasis on awareness campaigns, lifestyle modification, and community-based interventions is essential.
· Health Financing: Increased investment in primary healthcare, especially for rural and underserved populations, to manage chronic illnesses.
Conclusion:
India's health profile is undergoing a significant transformation. While infectious diseases are no longer the dominant cause of mortality, the rising tide of NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, and COPD poses a new challenge. This epidemiological shift necessitates a comprehensive, preventive, and integrated healthcare strategy to ensure not just longer, but healthier lives for India's 1.4 billion citizens.
