March 2001 Insights Health Issue #1
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Taking poverty to heart
Non-communicable diseases and the poor
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause
of death worldwide. Their emergence as the predominant health problem in
wealthy countries accompanied economic development. As a result, NCDs
are often referred to as 'diseases of affluence'. But is this a
misleading term? It suggests that these are not major problems for the
world's poor, which is quite simply wrong, as this issue of Insight
Health illustrates. Is it time to rethink policy on NCDs? Full editorial...
Also in this issue:
Diseases of affluence? Global trends and predictions
NCDs are often called 'diseases of affluence'. They include cancer,
heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung disease - all frequently linked
in popular perception to a wealthier 'Western' lifestyle. But are NCDs
restricted to the rich? Article...
Taking the strain: The challenge for health systems
While developing countries continue to battle against infectious
diseases, they now face an increasing burden from NCDs. How can health
systems deal with this additional strain? Article...
The worst of two worlds: Adult mortality in Tanzania
Many Tanzanians have entered the 21st century suffering the worst of two
worlds. They share the crushing debt and poverty of other developing
countries, yet are increasingly afflicted by chronic health conditions
usually associated with richer nations. Article...
Class divide: education and NCD risk factors in
Cameroon
The burden of many NCDs, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and lung cancer, tends to increase with economic development. However,
in wealthier countries, the greatest burden of NCDs falls on the poor.
Who is most at risk in developing countries - the rich or the poor? Article...
Quick decision? Fast-track data for health policy
The prevalence of NCDs is rising rapidly in low and middle income
countries. Health systems are already overburdened and the challenge of
planning NCD health services in this environment is great. What tools
are available to health planners to guide the effective use of
resources? Article...
Controlling the global tobacco epidemic: Towards a
transnational response
Tobacco companies have proved sufficiently powerful to thwart
comprehensive control programmes in all but a handful of countries. What
new strategies are needed to control the epidemic in developing regions?
Article...
Prevention is better than cure: Tackling
cardiovascular disease in the Seychelles
The absolute number of people in their 30s and 40s in the Seychelles
has doubled over the last 20 years. What challenges does this present
for health services? Article...
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