Study: Leading cause of deaths in India shifts from infectious to NCDs, Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report Highlights
The latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report, launched at the World Health Summit in Berlin and published in The Lancet, indicates a significant shift in the global mortality and morbidity landscape.
Key Findings
- Global Trends: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly two-thirds of the world's deaths, with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes as leading causes.
- India's Health Transition:
- In 1990, diarrheal diseases were the leading cause of death in India with an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 300.53 per lakh population.
- By 2023, ischemic heart disease became the primary cause of death with an ASMR of 127.82 per lakh population.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was the second leading cause of death in 2023 with an ASMR of 99.25 per lakh.
- Stroke ranked third with an ASMR of 92.88 per lakh.
- The all-cause ASMR decreased from 1,513.05 per lakh in 1990 to 871.09 in 2023.
- Life Expectancy in India:
- Increased by 13 years from 58.46 in 1990 to 71.56 in 2023.
- Men: 58.12 in 1990 to 70.24 in 2023.
- Women: 58.91 in 1990 to 72.96 in 2023.
Expert Insights
- Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasized the need for a focus on healthy aging and prioritizing the prevention of NCDs due to the epidemiological shift in India.
- K Srinath Reddy noted the influence of delayed industrialization, urbanization, and globalization on the rise of NCDs in India over the past four decades.
Report's Impact
The GBD report, produced with the collaboration of over 16,500 experts, provides crucial insights for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and researchers to address the evolving health challenges.
