Trivia: The WHO's "World Health Statistics 2008"

In May 2008, the World Health Organization published World Health Statistics 2008, which is the fourth edition of the document, and is based on data collected from their 193 member states.

Among the highlights in health statistics there is a mix of good news and bad news.

Progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5 to Improve Maternal Health

The WHO reports that the latest estimate is that 536,000 women died in 2005 as a result of complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and that 400 mothers died for every 100,000 live births. Slightly more than half of the deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and one-third in southern Asia – together, these regions accounted for over 85% of maternal deaths worldwide. The WHO concludes that the maternal mortality rate is declining too slowly, and is not meeting their goal.

HIV/AIDS Estimates are Revised Downwards

While the number of individuals living with HIV continues to rise, it is lower than estimated. For 2006, the previous estimate was 39.5 million; now it's 32 million. For 2007, the estimate is 33.2 million (with a range of 30.6 to 36.1 million).

Progress in the Fight against Malaria

The WHO reports progress in the proportion of the population in malaria risk areas using effective prevention measures (e.g., insecticide treated nets for sleeping) and treatment measures, and lower malaria incidence and death rates. Africa has 80% of the global burden of malaria.

Reducing Deaths from Tobacco

The WHO writes, "On average, every user of tobacco loses 15 years of life." They estimate that total tobacco-attributable deaths from causes such as heart disease, stroke, COPD, and other diseases will rise from 5.4 million in 2005 to 8.3 million in 2030 – almost 10% of all deaths worldwide. More than 80% of the deaths will occur in developing countries. Worldwide in 2005, 22% of adults smoked (36% of males and 8% of females).

Breast Cancer: Mortality and Screening

Worldwide among women, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality, with breast cancer accounting for 16% of cancer cases in adult women. "There is sufficient evidence to show that mammography screening among women aged 50–69 years could reduce mortality from breast cancer by 15–25%"; however, the prevalence of mammography screening varies significantly by wealth. The lifetime risk of dying from breast cancer is estimated at about 33 per 1,000 among women in high-income countries, compared with 25 per 1,000 in upper/middle-income countries, and less than 15 per 1,000 in low- and lower/middle-income countries. The variance is due to factors such as higher exposure to risk factors, longer life spans, etc.

Future Trends in Global Mortality: Major Shifts in Cause of Death Patterns

Noncommunicable diseases and conditions will cause more than three-quarters of all deaths by 2030, e.g., deaths from cancer will increase from 7.4 million in 2004 to 11.8 million in 2030, deaths from cardiovascular diseases will rise from 17.1 to 23.4 million during the period, and deaths due to road traffic accidents will increase from 1.3 million to 2.4 million. The top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2030 will be: ischemic heart disease; cerebrovascular disease (stroke); COPD; lower respiratory infections; road traffic accidents; trachea, bronchus, lung cancers; diabetes; hypertensive heart disease; stomach cancer; HIV/AIDS.

Reducing Impoverishment and Catastrophic Healthcare Spending

The WHO surveyed 89 countries, representing 90% of the world's population, and found that 150 million people, or 2.3% of households, experience catastrophic healthcare costs each year. More than 100 million people are impoverished because they must pay for healthcare.

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