Measuring Global Health

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Introduction

Measuring global health is frequently defined in terms of measurement of the Global Disease Burden [GBD] which is defined as the impact of a health problem as measure by mortality, morbidity and financial cost.

When comparing GBD data from different countries, there is a marked difference between nations which are developed to a greater or lesser degree.

Units of Measurement

There are a number of measurements which can be used to measure global health.

The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is frequently used as a measure of disease burden.

Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project

The first Global Burden of Disease [GBD] study reported the health effects of more than 100 diseases and injuries in 8 regions of the world in the year 1990.

It produced estimates of mortality and morbidity by age, sex and region.

The ongoing Global Burden of Disease Study is described as "The most comprehensive worldwide observational epidemiological study to date." It describes mortality and morbidity from disease and injury. It quantifies global, regional and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality and cause specific mrtality for 249 causes of death, 1980-2015.

As well as examining 249 causes of death, it reviews 315 disease and injuries and 79 risk factors. The data is taken from 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2015.

Resources

A summary of the most recent GBD study findings, 2015 in The Lancet.

References

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