World health organization

10 facts on the global burden of disease

A middle aged man stands and smiles.
WHO/Christopher Black

Population ageing is contributing to the rise in cancer and heart disease

The increasing proportion of older people in the global population is contributing to the increase of age-associated chronic diseases, particularly in developing countries. Care-givers, health systems and societies need to be ready to cope with the growing needs of the elderly in every part of the world.

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