Health is a precious gift that many take for granted, but it should be on everyone’s radar as the biggest threats to it are global. In this article, we go through the biggest health threats worldwide and understand why each of them poses such a grave danger.
What Are the Biggest Health Threats Worldwide?
The biggest health threats worldwide include communicable and non-communicable diseases, poor lifestyle choices, pollution, and several others. We take a look at the most threatening of them, and the necessary measures that need to be taken to combat them.
Communicable Diseases
The major communicable diseases that are threatening global health are influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Influenza
Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It’s spread through airborne particles or contact with infected people or surfaces. This virus is continuously mutating and evolving, which means the flu vaccine only provides partial protection.
HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This virus is spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, and breast milk. HIV is one of the deadliest infections on Earth, and has killed more than 32 million people already.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis or TB is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s spread through inhalation of droplets when the bacteria is released in the air. According to the World Health Organisation, TB is the leading killer amongst infectious diseases, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths in 2019.
Malaria
Malaria is the world’s most common disease, caused by parasites that are spread from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get infected with these parasites by biting a person already infected with malaria. This disease causes over 219 million cases worldwide, resulting in millions of deaths every year.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are illnesses that cannot be spread through contact with infected persons. The most prevalent of such deadly diseases are obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
Obesity
Obesity is caused by an excessive intake of unhealthy food and lack of sufficient physical activity. It can cause illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and even heart diseases. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 billion adults are currently living with obesity, causing increased deaths annually.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) include diseases involving the heart and blood vessels such as stroke and coronary heart disease. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are two of the leading risk factors for CVDs, leading to mortality from a heart attack. According to the WHO, Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death around the globe, causing over 17.7 million deaths every year.
Cancer
Due to changes in lifestyle, cancer has become a major threat, with over half a million estimated cases annually worldwide. The main causes of cancer are the air we breathe, the food we eat, and exposure to harmful materials. The progress of research in cancer treatments, however, has provided hope to those dealing with it.
Stroke
A stroke is caused by an interruption in the blood supply, resulting in oxygen and other vital nutrients not being delivered to the brain. The risk of stroke peaks in people over fifty and it is especially concerning amongst those living in developing countries, where the average age of stroke victims is 60.
Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin; a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and allows the body to use the glucose in food. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the world, with over 463 million people suffering from it.
Poor Lifestyle Choices
Many of the diseases and health issues faced today are caused by poor lifestyle choices and behaviour. This can involve not eating a balanced diet, avoiding regular exercise, living a sedentary lifestyle, and taking up smoking and other unhealthy habits.
Smoking
More than 10 million deaths are attributed to smoking alone, due to the many illnesses that come with it. It is the leading cause of preventable deaths around the globe, and is also contributing significantly to stroke, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyle refers to not spending enough time doing physical activities. It’s becoming increasingly common these days, partly due to the growing use of technology. By avoiding regular physical activity, we weaken our muscles, gain weight, and increase our risk of developing multiple illnesses such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Alcohol Use and Abuse
Excess consumption of alcohol poses a great risk to global health, and is a major cause of death and disease, especially amongst youths and adults. This dangerous habit can lead to accidents, liver cirrhosis, stroke, cancer, and many other mental and physical health problems.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the biggest health concerns of the 21st century, as it affects both physical and mental health. Outdoor pollution is primarily caused by emissions from vehicles, tailpipe exhausts, power plants, and agricultural production. Indoor air pollution is just as harmful, with toxins coming from gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, and other sources such as cleaners and candles. Health impacts of air pollution include cardiac and respiratory diseases, stroke, lower productivity, and even dementia.
What Measures Need to Be Taken?
There are several measures that should be taken to combat the biggest health threats in the world, each at different levels from the individual to the government.
Individual Level
At the individual level, it is essential to make healthy lifestyle choices, by engaging in regular physical activities and avoiding smoking, excessive drinking, and unhealthy food. Vaccines are also available for some of the communicable diseases, so it’s important to get inoculated and stay up to date with all available vaccinations.
Community Level
At the community level, health policies need to be in place, especially for communicable diseases, to ensure everyone is covered and everyone’s health is monitored. Education is also key, so it’s important to spread awareness on the major health threats and inform the public on the measures that need to be taken to reduce their severity.
Government Level
The government should take the lead by enforcing laws and regulations to prevent the causes of health threats such as pollution and poor lifestyle choices. More investment and resources should be devoted to research in health, to develop treatments and vaccines for major diseases, and establish universal healthcare policies.
Health is paramount, and the biggest health threats today should not be taken lightly. A concerted effort from individuals and communities combined with a commitment from the government is necessary to tackle these challenges effectively. Whether it be communicable or non-communicable diseases, poor lifestyle choices, or environmental pollution, knowledge and preventive measures can help us protect ourselves and others from these global health threats.
