15.8 Analyzing The Science

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Burden of Disease analysis provides a comprehensive and comparable assessment of mortality and loss of health due to diseases, injuries, and risk factors for all regions of the world. The overall burden of disease is assessed using the disability-adjusted life year (DALY), a time-based measure that combines years of life lost due to premature mortality and time lived in states of less than full health.

INTERPRETATION

Question 15.12

According to the map, which continent appears to have more problems with the lack of sanitation?

Question 15.13

What is the DALY status attributable to water and hygiene in most of the world’s developed countries?

Question 15.14

In your own words, describe the DALY status in Eurasia, one of the most populous areas on Earth.

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ADVANCE YOUR THINKING

Question 15.15

Explain why people in many places in North America complain of water shortages, while this map indicates that they have access to clean water and sanitation.

Question 15.16

If much of africa is grasslands and jungle, why do the inhabitants have so little access to clean water and sanitation?

Question 15.17

Some countries that border oceans are able to afford desalination plants to improve their access to clean drinking water. If all countries could afford it, would this solve the worldwide problem? Explain.