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Understanding the global burden of disease

June 13th, 2012

The world population increased by 30 per cent over the last quarter century to grow to more than seven billion in 2011.

With this level of growth comes an imperative to understand changing global health patterns to better plan for and manage future needs.

In 2007 Professor Alan Lopez of The University of Queensland and Professor Christopher Murray of The University of Washington, Seattle undertook a major study to research and compare worldwide disease and injury patterns and to identify the risk factors that cause them.

The Global Burden of Disease study is the largest ever review of historical and emerging trends in disease risk, development and spread; looking at the disease burden by death and disability for over 250 diseases and injuries across 190 countries.

The study was first undertaken two decades ago by Professors Lopez and Murray on behalf of the World Bank with a view to making health a global development priority.

“20 years ago it was estimated that being underweight was the leading risk factor in global health, but we now see that high blood pressure is causing the most significant disease burden.

"That's almost the opposite finding,” Professor Lopez said.

“We think a study of this scope could be done every year.

"There's been huge investment in data systems that allow us to track local trends."

"The world can't wait for an update every five to 10 years; decision makers need this information in real time to enact real changes,” Professor Murray said.

Professors Lopez and Murray will make a non-technical presentation of their preliminary results at a Global Leadership seminar, held in Washington D.C. this week.

The University of Queensland's Global Leadership Series is a worldwide program of lectures and discussions with the best of the best UQ-related speakers on global matters that impact our communities and shape our ideas.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming events go to www.uq.edu.au/ global-leadership-series

Provided by University of Queensland

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