What’s killing us? Illnesses
Lifestyle Factors
Heart disease: Often linked to poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity.
Cancer: Various types caused by factors like smoking, sun exposure, unhealthy diets, and environmental pollutants.
Chronic respiratory diseases: Primarily linked to smoking, air pollution, and occupational hazards.
Accidents: Including car accidents, falls, and drownings.
Environmental Factors
Air pollution: Contributes to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
Water pollution: Can lead to various diseases, including waterborne illnesses.
Climate change: Increasing extreme weather events, food shortages, and the spread of diseases.
Infectious Diseases
HIV/AIDS: While treatments have improved, it remains a significant global health challenge.
Tuberculosis: A persistent and deadly infectious disease.
Malaria: Primarily affecting tropical regions, it remains a major cause of death.
Other Factors
Poverty: Linked to malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and unsafe living conditions.
Conflict and violence: Can lead to direct deaths and indirect impacts on health.
It’s important to note that these factors often interact with each other. For example, poverty can increase vulnerability to infectious diseases and environmental hazards.