Chronic diseases: the silent global epidemic

Meetoo, D

Abstract

In most industrialized nations and many developing countries chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death. In 2005, chronic
diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes caused 58 million deaths worldwide (World Health Organization, 2005). Despite
strong evidence for the magnitude of this burden, the preventability of NCD causes and the threat they pose to already strained healthcare systems, national and global
responses have been slow. This article provides a global overview of chronic diseases. It further explores the impact of globalization as an important determinant of NCD
epidemics. Finally, in addition to working alongside policy-makers, the fundamental roles of nursing to promote health, prevent disease and alleviate suffering call for expression of caring for humanity and environment through political activism at all levels to bring about reforms of current global economic order.

Citation

Meetoo, D. Chronic diseases: the silent global epidemic. British Journal of Nursing, 17(21), 1320-1325

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2011
• Journal: British Journal of Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0966-0461
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 21
• Pages: 1320-1325
• Keywords: Chronic diseases, education, globalization, multidisciplinary
• Related Public URLs: http://www.internurse.com/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/abstract.html?uid=31731