The triple burden of disease

Abstract

Global trends on the nature and causes of different health risks have shifted over the last century. Countries all over the world, including developing ones like the Philippines, are thus challenged to come up with health systems that can address these evolving health concerns. The World Health Organization (2017) estimated that about half of the 56.4 million deaths worldwide can be attributed to just 10 causes. Among them, ischemic heart disease and stroke were the lead killers, accounting for a total of 15 million deaths. Both communicable and noncommunicable diseases have been the primary culprits of deaths all over the world in the last two decades or so. However, in recent years, cases of road injuries have gradually increased to become one of the top causes of mortality. This Economic Issue of the Day explains the concept of triple burden of disease and its implications for public health policy.