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Main: Global Health
Destructive Diseases

RESOURCE MARCH 19, 2009

The World's Most Destructive Diseases

The impact a disease or chronic condition has on the global population is determined by looking at the number of deaths it causes, as well as the debilitating effects it has on those living with the condition.

Infectious and parasitic diseases

» Non-communicable conditions

Cardiovascular diseases Deaths/Year: 17.1 million*

151.4 MILLION HEALTHY YEARS LOST*

Cardiovascular diseases, also known as heart disease, often involve the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Malignant neoplasms Deaths/Year: 7.4 million*

77.8 MILLION HEALTHY YEARS LOST*

More commonly known as cancer, malignant neoplasms are a range of diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and can invade and destroy normal body tissue.

Unipolar depressive disorders Deaths/Year: 15,000*

65.5 MILLION HEALTHY YEARS LOST*

Depression is one of the most pervasive medical conditions in the world. It affects the brain, causing persistant feelings of sadness, and can interfere with daily life.

Respiratory diseases Deaths/Year: 4 million*

59 MILLION HEALTHY YEARS LOST*

Chronic respiratory diseases affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the two most prevalent and both cause difficulties breathing.

Prematurity/low-birthweight Deaths/Year: 1.2 million*

44.3 MILLION HEALTHY YEARS LOST*

Low birth weight is defined by the World Health Organization as a child who is born weighing less than 5.5 pounds. It can be the result of a premature birth or restricted growth of the infant due to the mother’s health and nutrition.

*(1) Estimated deaths for 2004, according to the World Health Organization
*(2)DALY, stands for disability adjusted life year, and can be thought of as one year of healthy life lost to a condition. The total DALY number is the number of future years of healthy life lost as the result of premature death or disability. The DALY scores were calculated by the World Health Organization using 2004 mortality and prevalence data.