Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Abstract

This study provides an updated assessment of the global burden of diseases and injuries, expanding on previous research by including subnational assessments for five new countries and adding twelve new causes to the modelling framework. Global health has improved over the past three decades, as measured by age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates. However, the absolute number of DALYs has remained stable, indicating the need for continued investment in health systems. Notable changes in disease patterns include a sharp decline in chronic hepatitis C cases in Egypt due to mass screening and treatment, and a rise in drug use disorder deaths globally, with the United States experiencing more than half of all global overdose deaths in 2019. The study highlights the growing importance of understanding the burden of disability, particularly in light of the aging global population, and underscores the need for continued research and development of interventions addressing non-communicable diseases and injuries. The findings also emphasize the potential for low-income countries to make substantial progress in improving health outcomes through targeted investments. – AI-generated abstract