Most common diseases in the world
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Most Common Diseases in the World
Understanding the most common diseases globally is crucial for public health planning and intervention. This article synthesizes research findings on the prevalence and impact of various diseases, including neglected tropical diseases, oral diseases, infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, and noncommunicable diseases.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Prevalence and Impact: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of chronic parasitic and bacterial infections that predominantly affect the world's poorest populations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These diseases exacerbate poverty by impairing child development, pregnancy outcomes, and worker productivity1. NTDs are highly prevalent in regions with significant poverty, such as sub-Saharan Africa, China, East Asia, and the Americas1.
Oral Diseases
Global Burden: Oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and cancers of the lips and oral cavity, are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. These conditions significantly reduce the quality of life and impose substantial economic burdens on individuals and healthcare systems. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases persist due to social and economic inequalities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)2.
"Big Three" Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS
Leading Causes of Death: Tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, collectively known as the "Big Three" infectious diseases, are among the deadliest infections globally. These diseases are highly prevalent in lower-income and mid-income countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. They continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality, making them some of the world's greatest pandemics3.
Foodborne Diseases
Morbidity and Mortality: Foodborne diseases are a major global health concern, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. In 2010, it was estimated that foodborne diseases resulted in two billion cases and over one million deaths. Norovirus and Campylobacter spp. were identified as leading causes of foodborne illnesses. The burden of these diseases is particularly high in children under five years of age and in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia4.
Dengue
Rising Prevalence: Dengue is one of the most common vector-borne diseases globally, with an estimated 50-100 million cases annually. The disease is prevalent in tropical regions and poses a significant public health challenge. The incidence and mortality rates of dengue have increased substantially from 1990 to 2017, highlighting the need for effective prevention and control measures5 6.
Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)
Global Epidemic: Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are the leading causes of death worldwide. These diseases account for more deaths than all other causes combined, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing socioeconomic transitions. The World Health Organization predicts a 17% increase in NCDs over the next decade, emphasizing the need for preventive measures, especially in early life8 10.
Conclusion
The global burden of disease is multifaceted, with significant impacts from neglected tropical diseases, oral diseases, infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, and noncommunicable diseases. Addressing these health challenges requires comprehensive public health strategies, targeted interventions, and international collaboration to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life worldwide.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Neglected Tropical Diseases of India and South Asia: Review of Their Prevalence, Distribution, and Control or Elimination
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prevalent and burdensome in India and South Asia, affecting child development, pregnancy outcome, and worker productivity.
Systematic Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedOral diseases: a global public health challenge
Oral diseases are a global public health issue, largely preventable but persist due to social and economic inequalities and inadequate funding, causing severe personal and economic burdens.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited"Big Three" Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV/AIDS.
The "Big Three" infectious diseases (TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS) face significant challenges in chemotherapeutics, with potential for future advancements.
World Health Organization Estimates of the Global and Regional Disease Burden of 22 Foodborne Bacterial, Protozoal, and Viral Diseases, 2010: A Data Synthesis
Foodborne diseases cause a large disease burden, particularly in children, with contaminated food being a significant cause, particularly in Africa and South East Asia.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedDengue: an escalating problem
Dengue is the most common cause of arboviral disease in the world, with an estimated 50-100 million illnesses annually and a severe manifestation called dengue haemorrhagic fever, requiring a cost-effective vaccine for prevention and control.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedGlobal, regional, and national dengue burden from 1990 to 2017: A systematic analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2017
Dengue burden globally increased from 1990 to 2017, with socio-demographic factors playing a significant role in reducing the burden.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGlobal research trends of World Health Organization’s top eight emerging pathogens
The number of publications on the WHO's top eight emerging pathogens has dramatically increased in the past two decades, with international collaboration and a high h-index indicating common health agendas among distant countries.
Highly CitedA world of chronic disease.
Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, kill more people worldwide than all other causes combined, and their impact is growing as the global population ages and unhealthy lifestyles become more common.
Ten Global “Hotspots” for the Neglected Tropical Diseases
Ten global "hotspots" for neglected tropical diseases need special emphasis for control and elimination to meet Millennium Development Goals and new Sustainable Development Goals.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDevelopmental origins of noncommunicable disease: population and public health implications.
Early developmental conditions, not just deficient environments, significantly impact a child's predisposition to noncommunicable diseases.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited