A new study estimates that Americans spent an estimated $380 billion on low back and neck pain in 2016, combined with other musculoskeletal disorders. This accounts for 14.1% of the total $2.7 trillion in healthcare spending that year.
A new study reveals chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2017. The disease's impact varies widely across countries, with some nations experiencing rates nearly 15 times higher than others.
A new study maps education and child malnutrition across all low- and middle-income countries at the individual district level. The findings show that gender inequality in education persists, with men achieving more years of education than women overall.
A new study found that road injury deaths have decreased worldwide, but the risk of death from a road accident remains high in some countries. In 2017, 54 million people were injured in road accidents, resulting in 1.2 million deaths globally.
The study found nearly 9 million injuries and over 120,000 deaths worldwide in 2017 due to fire, heat, and hot substances. Heat-related injuries disproportionately kill the very young and very old, with the risk of death greatest in Seychelles and Laos.
A global health viewpoint emphasizes the need for accurate data to measure progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The lack of data in low- and middle-income countries, combined with inconsistent international standards, is hindering efforts to track progress.
A new study reveals that lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are responsible for one in seven child deaths worldwide. Since 1990, vaccines, improved nutrition, and better indoor air quality have substantially reduced LRI deaths, but progress has lagged behind other childhood infectious diseases.
A recent study mapping child deaths over two decades finds that nearly half of the 5.4 million under-5 deaths in 2017 were due to differences between countries and districts. The research, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, highlights health disparities within countries and regions.
A new study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation finds that only Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe are on track to meet the WHO's exclusive breastfeeding goal by 2025. With optimal breastfeeding practices, over 800,000 child deaths could be averted annually.
The G20 leaders should focus on increasing funding for low- and middle-income nations to address the impacts of climate change, wars, and nationalism. The authors argue that increased domestic funding is needed to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote universal health coverage.
A new study reveals that chronic diseases such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and lung cancer are now the leading causes of premature death in China. The study's findings show a significant shift from communicable to chronic conditions over nearly three decades, largely due to economic growth and increasing education levels.
High-resolution maps show progress in defeating malaria, but also highlight areas of stagnation and increased burden, particularly in Venezuela and sub-Saharan Africa. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and sustained funding to overcome obstacles to eradication.
A new study predicts that more than 6 billion people will be at risk of contracting the dengue virus by 2080. The greatest shifts in dengue risk are projected to occur on the African continent, particularly in the Sahel and southern Africa.
Richard Horton, Lancet editor-in-chief, will receive the $100,000 Roux Prize for his relentless advocacy on global health issues. The honor recognizes his commitment to advance health internationally and challenge the medical profession.
A new study reveals striking variation in HIV prevalence across African countries, with some areas experiencing over a 5-fold difference in numbers of people infected. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address persistent high infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
Life expectancy differences between rich and poor in Norway increased between 2005-2015. Higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and substance abuse explain the disparity. Smoking also plays a role.
Despite substantial reductions in child and adolescent mortality, US maternal mortality rate increased by 67.5% between 1990 and 2017. This divergence in trends highlights the need to prioritize maternal health alongside that of children and adolescents.
A new study reveals a wide variation in global malaria spending across 106 countries, with development assistance plateauing since 2010. The World Health Organization's annual funding target of $6.6 billion is still not met, and more resources are needed to bridge the $2.3 billion gap.
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending is a major problem in low- and middle-income countries, forcing people to choose between care and poverty. By 2050, health spending is projected to nearly double to $15.0 trillion, with less than one percent spent in currently low-income countries.
A new study found substantial variation in vaccine coverage within countries, with some areas having less than 25% coverage. The study provides insights for nations' health ministers to identify where to improve vaccine delivery systems and tailor strategies to reach unvaccinated children.
A new study found that poor diet is responsible for more deaths globally than tobacco, high blood pressure, or any other health risk. The study, published in The Lancet, highlights the importance of low consumption of healthy foods and emphasizes the need for comprehensive food system interventions.
A new scientific study found a 30-year gap between countries with the highest and lowest ages at which people experience health problems equivalent to those of an average 65-year-old. The United States ranked 54th, between Iran (69.0 years) and Antigua and Barbuda (68.4 years).
A global study estimates that one in four people over age 25 are at risk for stroke during their lifetime. The study reveals large geographic variations in stroke risk, with the highest risks found in East Asia and Central Europe.
A new study by IHME finds that the average US outpatient visit costs nearly $500, highlighting the high cost of healthcare in the country. The study also estimates that universal health coverage (UHC) for all nations would require a significant increase in admissions and visits, with costs estimated at $576 billion.
A new series of studies assesses death and disability from neurological disorders between 1990 and 2016, finding one in four people worldwide suffered from headaches in 2016. Parkinson's disease has more than doubled since 1990, with motor neuron diseases causing severe disability and high fatality rates.
The study found that 104 countries have high fertility rates, while 91 countries have low rates, posing challenges for meeting UN goals on deaths from non-communicable diseases and suicide. The global population is projected to continue growing despite declining total fertility rates.
A new study forecasts that global life expectancy will increase, but nearly half of all nations may face lower life expectancies by 2040. China and several other countries are expected to see significant gains in life expectancy, while Palestine and some high-income nations are forecast to experience declines.
The US ranks 27th worldwide in investment in education and healthcare, a decline from 6th in 1990. China sees an increase in ranking to 44th, while nations with greater human capital improvements tend to experience faster growth in GDP.
A new study has mapped areas across Africa with high concentrations of child deaths from diarrhea, revealing uneven progress over 15 years. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions in local communities to mitigate the problem, as national strategies may be less effective due to regional inequalities.
A study published in The Lancet found that life expectancy in Russia increased by over 7 years between 1994 and 2016, while child mortality rates decreased nearly 60%. However, the nation still faces significant health challenges due to excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
A new study reveals that six countries in the Americas - Brazil, the US, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala - accounted for over half of all firearm-related deaths in 2016. The study found that global firearm-related deaths exceeded conflict and terrorism deaths every year from 1990 to 2016, except for 1994.
A new scientific study reveals that there is no safe level of drinking alcohol, with nearly 3 million deaths globally attributed to alcohol use in 2016. The study finds massive health risks associated with alcohol consumption, including premature death, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation identifies communities at risk of dying from snakebites. The analysis reveals regions and nations with limited access to treatment and healthcare, highlighting the need for greater measures to support countries in implementing snakebite prevention and treatment programs.
A new study found Indonesia's life expectancy increased by eight years between 1990 and 2016, but non-communicable diseases have dramatically risen. The 'double burden' poses significant health challenges, with heart disease, diabetes, and injuries taking a toll on the population.
The study reveals a universal increase in lifestyle-related cancers between 2006 and 2016, with significant disparities persisting between high- and low-Socio-demographic Index countries. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, while lung cancer tops the list for men, accounting for nearly 20% of global cancer deaths.
The study rates nations on a health care access and quality index, highlighting stark disparities across most countries. Many low-to-middle income countries saw progress accelerate from 2000 to 2016, driven by gains in vaccine-preventable diseases and maternal child health.
A new study by IHME found that global spending on HIV/AIDS peaked at $49.7 billion in 2013 and reached a total of $562.6 billion between 2000 and 2015. Governments accounted for the majority of funding, with development assistance making up 30% of total spending.
A new study finds that people covered by universal health coverage will likely fall far below the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3 target by 2030. Global health spending is expected to double over the next 20 years, with high-income countries projected to spend nearly 45 times more on healthcare than low-income countries.
A new US health study reveals 'dangerous disparities' among states, with West Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama having the highest probability of premature death. The study found that substance abuse, suicide, and alcohol-related conditions were key factors driving these disparities.
A new study reveals that diarrheal diseases are becoming a major public health concern in the US, with rates increasing substantially between 1980 and 2014. Diarrheal disease deaths were ranked as the second-leading cause of all infectious disease mortality, behind lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The co-founders of the Global Burden of Disease study have been recognized for their groundbreaking work in measuring and analyzing the world's health issues. The award honors their pioneering efforts to improve health outcomes in developing countries, with the study providing critical intelligence for policy decisions.
Two studies mapping Africa's entire continent in 5x5 square kilometers reveal significant inequities in health and education. Despite improvements in some areas, stunting, wasting, and underweight persist in many countries, with a focus on rural-urban and male-female disparities.
A new study finds that while the US consistently provides more funding for development assistance for health than any other country, some high-income European nations have surpassed the US's assistance in per capita and expenditure measurements. The US ranking fifth at $714 contributed to DAH for every $1 million in national income.
A new study finds that non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death in India, surpassing infectious diseases. The study reveals significant state-level variations in health outcomes, with some states experiencing much higher rates of deaths and illnesses due to conditions like diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
A new study measures the causes behind the US health care spending increase, attributing 50% to price and intensity of services. The analysis reveals that factors like population growth, age, disease prevalence, and utilization drive most of the spending increase.
A new study assesses pandemic potential in Africa prior to outbreaks, mapping vulnerabilities to mitigate the spread of Ebola and other deadly viruses. Researchers identify high-risk locations, including parts of Central African Republic, Chad, Somalia, and South Sudan, highlighting the need for targeted preparedness activities.
Researchers used geospatial analysis to identify patterns of death and disease within African nations' states, finding significant differences in child mortality rates. The study's findings can inform targeted interventions to reduce under-5 mortality rates and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
A new global study reveals that countries have saved more lives over the past decade, particularly among children under 5, but persistent health problems such as obesity, conflict, and mental illness continue to hinder progress. The 'triad of troubles' poses a stubborn barrier to active lifestyles.
A new study finds that life expectancy varies by up to 18 years across King County, Washington, with residents in affluent areas living significantly longer than those in poorer neighborhoods. The study provides detailed estimates of death rates by cause, year, and sex among the county's nearly 400 census tracts.
The risk of dying from rheumatic heart disease has dropped globally over the last 25 years, but progress is uneven, particularly in the world's poorest countries. An estimated 347,500 deaths occurred in 1990 and 319,400 in 2015, with a 48% decrease in death rates.