1. Around 10 million children under the age of five die each year

Almost all of these children could survive with access to simple and affordable interventions. WHO is working with governments and partners worldwide to deliver integrated, effective care and strengthen health systems, both of which are crucial to reduce child deaths.

2. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the world

Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the heart and blood vessels that can cause heart attacks and stroke. At least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular heart disease and strokes could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco.

3. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of adult death in Africa

Despite substantial progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS mortality remains high. A lack of access to health services limits survival. Obstacles for better care include weak health care systems and shortages of human resources.

4. Population ageing is contributing to the rise in cancer and heart disease

The increasing proportion of older people in the global population is contributing to the increase of age-associated chronic diseases, particularly in developing countries. Care-givers, health systems and societies need to be ready to cope with the growing needs of the elderly in every part of the world.

5. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in the world

Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world. In developing countries, smoking is responsible for more than 80% of all lung cancers.

6. Complications of pregnancy account for almost 15 % of deaths in women of reproductive age worldwide

More than half a million women die from preventable complications during pregnancy or childbirth. WHO works to improve maternal health by assisting countries to improve care before, during and after childbirth.

7. Mental disorders such as depression are among the 20 leading causes of disability worldwide

Depression affects around 120 million people worldwide and this number is projected to increase. Fewer than 25% of those affected have access to adequate treatment and health care.

8. Hearing loss, vision problems and mental disorders are the most common causes of disability

These disorders can affect people’s lives and livelihoods, but many are easily treatable (e.g. hearing loss and cataracts). Statistics vary between higher- and lower-income countries but high overall rates of these disorders underline the need for wider access to interventions that help people live productively.

9. Road traffic injuries are projected to rise from the ninth leading cause of death globally in 2004, to the fifth in 2030

More than 3500 people die from road traffic crashes every day and millions are injured or disabled for life. WHO works to increase awareness of this preventable cause of death by promoting road safety practices such as wearing helmets and seat-belts, and not speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol.

10. Under-nutrition is the underlying cause of death for at least 30% of all children under age five

Almost 20 million children worldwide are severely malnourished. Inadequate breastfeeding, inappropriate food and a lack of access to highly nutritious foods contribute to the problem. Common childhood diseases affect a child’s ability to eat or absorb the necessary nutrients from food.

Source/References

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/global_burden/en/

1. Around 10 million children under the age of five die each year
   Almost all of these children could survive with access to simple and affordable interventions. WHO is working with governments and partners worldwide to deliver integrated, effective care and strengthen health systems, both of which are crucial to reduce child deaths.
2. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the world
   Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the heart and blood vessels that can cause heart attacks and stroke. At least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular heart disease and strokes could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding the use of tobacco.
3. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of adult death in Africa
   Despite substantial progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS mortality remains high. A lack of access to health services limits survival. Obstacles for better care include weak health care systems and shortages of human resources.
4. Population ageing is contributing to the rise in cancer and heart disease
   The increasing proportion of older people in the global population is contributing to the increase of age-associated chronic diseases, particularly in developing countries. Care-givers, health systems and societies need to be ready to cope with the growing needs of the elderly in every part of the world.
5. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in the world
   Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world. In developing countries, smoking is responsible for more than 80% of all lung cancers.
6. Complications of pregnancy account for almost 15 % of deaths in women of reproductive age worldwide
   More than half a million women die from preventable complications during pregnancy or childbirth. WHO works to improve maternal health by assisting countries to improve care before, during and after childbirth.
7. Mental disorders such as depression are among the 20 leading causes of disability worldwide
   Depression affects around 120 million people worldwide and this number is projected to increase. Fewer than 25% of those affected have access to adequate treatment and health care.
8. Hearing loss, vision problems and mental disorders are the most common causes of disability
   These disorders can affect people’s lives and livelihoods, but many are easily treatable (e.g. hearing loss and cataracts). Statistics vary between higher- and lower-income countries but high overall rates of these disorders underline the need for wider access to interventions that help people live productively.
9. Road traffic injuries are projected to rise from the ninth leading cause of death globally in 2004, to the fifth in 2030
   More than 3500 people die from road traffic crashes every day and millions are injured or disabled for life. WHO works to increase awareness of this preventable cause of death by promoting road safety practices such as wearing helmets and seat-belts, and not speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol.
10. Under-nutrition is the underlying cause of death for at least 30% of all children under age five
    Almost 20 million children worldwide are severely malnourished. Inadequate breastfeeding, inappropriate food and a lack of access to highly nutritious foods contribute to the problem. Common childhood diseases affect a child’s ability to eat or absorb the necessary nutrients from food.

Source/References: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/global_burden/en/