10 Threats to Global Health in 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, let us take a moment to reflect on the top 10 threats to global health in 2019. The world is facing numerous health challenges, ranging from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, to growing rates of obesity, to the health impacts of environmental pollution and climate change. The World Health Organization considered air pollution and climate change to be the greatest threat to global health in 2019. Air pollutants can damage the lungs, heart and brain, and contribute to diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, lung disease. This prematurely kill 7 million people every year. Climate change has profound effects on physical well-being and environmental conditions. Between 2030-2050, climate change is expected to cause 250,000 additional deaths per year due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. Noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease are ranked to be the second greatest threat to global health. Collectively, noncommunicable diseases are responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income communities. As we move into a new year, let’s work together to stay educated on these health topics and advocate for global health! Click here to read more about the Top 10 Threats to Global Health in 2019: https://www.who.int/emergencies/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019