The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reported that the topography of disease-related deaths has changed over many generations, and that different diseases, both communicable and noncommunicable, are starting to affect communities differently. Specifically, the researchers identify that the typical life expectancy has increased on a global scale, which means there are now different, previously unknown risks and causes of illness due to aging populations. Of specific interest is the researchers’ mention that the “leading causes of death and disability have changed from communicable diseases in children to noncommunicable diseases in adults” (IHME, 2013). The United States and other developed and industrialized nations have seen a stark reduction in maternal, nutritional, and premature child deaths. Third world or developing nations, however, have seen a spike in communicable, maternal, nutritional, and child-related diseases. The IHME implemented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to systematically address health concerns related to a number of demographic characteristics. The 2010 GBD study found that the average life expectancy has increased 35 years since 1970 for many industrialized nations, but there is negligible improvement in life expectancy in developing nations such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why is it important to research and understand the epidemiological transition of diseases across the world?
Research related to disease transmission, as well as disease trends, is important in prevention. Understanding the evolution and transition of diseases in various areas of the world may provide more specific targets for vaccinations and health education.
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What are some potential factors that may help explain the static nature of life expectancy in nations such as those in sub-Saharan Africa?
Nations in sub-Saharan Africa are poorer and have limited access to health resources, especially preventive measures and vaccines related to communicable diseases. The lack of economic and health related resources has likely stunted the life expectancy of those nations’ populations.
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Identify and explain the factors related to the rise of noncommunicable diseases in industrialized nations such as the United States.
The increase in life expectancy and the success of vaccination against communicable diseases has resulted in a longer period of aging for many. This longer aging and later age of death has seen a rise in previously unexplored diseases that cannot be vaccinated against.
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What could be a potentially helpful strategy for reducing deaths related to communicable diseases in poorer nations?
Provide international funding through grants, national agencies, and private agencies related to health education and resources directly to poor nations in need of health care reform and education. Incentives should be given to physicians to provide their time free of charge to visit developing nations in an effort to provide quality health care for those in need.