The World Health Organization has released the changes in the top ten causes of death worldwide between 2000 and 2012. Heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections and chronic lung disease have remained at the top of the list throughout the decade.
Photo Credit: WHO
Among the decreasing causes, HIV related deaths decreased from 1.7 million in 2000, to 1.5 million in 2012, while diarrhoea is no longer in the top five leading causes.
Unfortunately, chronic diseases have caused an increased number of deaths worldwide. Lung cancer claimed 1.6 million lives in 2012, up from the 1.2 million in 2000. Diabetes related deaths also increased by half a million in 2012.
Photo Credit: WHO
Overall, noncommunicable diseases (NCD’s) were responsible for 68%, or thirty-eight million deaths globally in 2012, which was a large increase compared to the thirty-one million in 2000. Cardiovascular diseases killed 2.6 million more people in 2012 than in the year 2000.
Photo Credit: WHO
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
