Question

1. The incidence of chronic illness has increased over the last several years in both developing and developed countries. Please explain why for both.

Answer 1

# Introduction

Chronic diseases are increasing in global prevalence and seriously threaten developing nations' ability to improve the health of their populations. Although often associated with developed nations, the presence of chronic disease has become the dominant health burden in many developing countries. Chronic diseases were responsible for 50% of the disease burden in 23 high-burden developing countries in 2005 and will cost those countries $84 billion by 2015 if nothing is done to slow their growth. The rise of lifestyle-related chronic disease in poor countries is the result of a complex constellation of social, economic, and behavioral factors. Variability in the prevalence of chronic disease is found both at the country level and within countries as differences in risk factors are observed. This upward trend is forecast to continue as epidemiologic profiles and age structures of developing countries further shift. More research is needed to identify a full range of prevention-focused, cost-effective interventions against chronic diseases in the developing world.

Chronic diseases and conditions are on the rise worldwide. An ageing population and changes in societal behaviour are contributing to a steady increase in these common and costly long-term health problems. The middle class is growing; and with urbanisation accelerating, people are adopting a more sedentary lifestyle.

# WHAT ARE CHRONIC DISEASES?

The main chronic diseases discussed in this are: cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart disease and stroke; cancer; chronic respiratory diseases; and diabetes.

There are many other chronic conditions and diseases that contribute significantly to the burden of disease on individuals, families, societies and countries. Examples include mental disorders, vision and hear ing impairment, oral diseases, bone and joint disorders, and genetic disorders. Some will be presented as case studies in this publication  

to highlight the wide variety of chronic diseases that require continuing attention from all sectors of society. Mental and neurological disorders are important chronic conditions that share a unique set of distinguish ing features, and which were reviewed recently by the World Health Organization

# Many chronic diseases are caused by a short list of risk behaviors:

* Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

* Poor nutrition, including diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in sodium and saturated fats.

* Lack of physical activity.

* Excessive alcohol use.

Another rising health concern is global pandemics. The pandemics of the past decade have clearly demonstrated the speed at which infections spread across the globe. Ebola, SARS, MERS, and H1N1—to name but a few—demand coordinated and agile healthcare responses. Pandemics will in all likelihood exert periodic and significant disruptive pressure on health systems. Healthcare organisations across the globe need to be ready to work together to contain outbreaks quickly when they occconcern.

The middle class is growing; and with urbanisation accelerating, people are adopting a more sedentary lifestyle. This is pushing obesity rates and cases of diseases such as diabetes upward. According to the World Health Organization, chronic disease prevalence is expected to rise by 57% by the year 2020. Emerging markets will be hardest hit, as population growth is anticipated be most significant in developing nations. Increased demand on healthcare systems due to chronic disease has become a major concern