The publication entitled ‘World Health Statistics 2012’ constitutes a WHO’s annual compilation of data concerning health issues for its 194 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress, which was made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated with it targets. It also contains highlight summaries on the topics of noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage and civil registration coverage.

Key facts and findings of the 2012 report:

• non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the major health challenge of the 21st century with 63% of all global deaths in 2008 due to NCDs. The largest proportion of NCD deaths is caused by cardiovascular diseases (48%), followed by cancers (21%) and chronic respiratory conditions (12%),
• obesity is another major issue. Today, 12% of the world’s population is considered obese, with women more likely to be obese than men and thus, exposed to a greater risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers,
• about 30% of people in the WHO European Region have raised blood pressure – a high risk condition for stroke and heart disease,
• one in 10 adults worldwide has diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, blindness and kidney failure,
• the financial risks associated with accessing health care is also an important issue. As a result of the use of health services paid out-of-pocket, it is estimated that each year up to 10% of the population in certain countries suffer from serious financial hardship and impoverishment,
• on a more positive note, maternal and child mortality has decreased worldwide. The 10 year trend for causes of child death show that public health advancements have helped save children’s lives in the past decade.

Summary brochure:
http://www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/EN_WHS2012_Brochure.pdf

Full report:
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/EN_WHS2012_Full.pdf

Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

Asbestos

Quality policy in laboratories

Central Register of Occupational Diseases