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The Most Common Diseases in Syria

The Most Common Diseases in Syria
Many factors influence health, and one of the most overlooked is the environment. After living through a civil war for six years, Syrians have experienced a tremendous amount of violence. With this violence comes an increase in poverty and disease. For these reasons, common diseases in Syria are on the rise.

Not only do Syrians suffer from the stress that comes with living in a war-stricken country, but they also experience the scarcity of potable water, food and health care. The combination of this lack of resources and the grief the war’s victims deal with on a daily basis further complicates their health.

Non-communicable diseases are particularly prominent in Syrians. Non-communicable diseases are long-lasting and caused by genetics, the environment and lifestyle. In a survey based on different Syrian refugee households in Jordan, at least one resident in half the households suffered from a non-communicable disease.

Common diseases in Syria that are non-communicable include anemia, diabetes and hypertension. One study found that 48.4% of children under the age of five living in the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp suffered from anemia, as did 44.8% of women aged 15 to 49.

The key to treating these common diseases in Syria is maintaining a healthy diet and taking preventative medications. However, both of these strategies are difficult to come by for Syrians. Doctors and hospitals are often targets and victims of violence. With the destruction of hospitals, Syrians have far fewer places they can go to take care of their health.

Although some medical clinics remain functional, problems remain. Many lack supplies to accommodate the millions of people that need their help. About 60% of Syrians needing insulin to treat their diabetes are in danger due to a shortfall of the hormone.

It is difficult for Syrians to overcome their health issues due to everything that is happening in their country. That being said, others are taking the initiative to help. The World Health Organization has submitted requests to the Syrian government to provide desperately needed medical supplies.

Syrians are in a critical situation now, especially with their health at risk. However, with the proper resources and aid, life will improve for Syrians.

– Raven Rentas

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in China


China is becoming an increasingly significant global presence, boasting a population of over 1.37 billion and maintaining the second largest national land area. Both the enormous population and the abundant geographical diversity make China a particularly interesting case study on diseases. These are four of the most common diseases in China:

  1. Hepatitis A virus: Transmitted through contaminated food or water, hepatitis A has seen several large outbreaks in China, most notably those in the southern and northwestern regions of the country in 2006. The U.S. National Library of Medicine has calculated that the epidemic rate of hepatitis A in China hovers around 80.9%. Hepatitis A is a common disease in developing countries and has the potential to cause death.
  2. Bacterial diarrhea: Diarrhea is a formidable global health issue, and is the second-highest death risk for children in developing nations. China is no exception. The risk for contraction is high in low-income regions. In a year, approximately 70 million individuals in China suffer from bacterial diarrhea, and about 10,000 children die from it. Dehydration and impaired gastrointestinal function are characteristic of bacterial diarrhea.
  3. Typhoid fever: Similar to bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A, typhoid fever is commonly contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Twenty-two million people around the globe are infected annually, but most deaths from typhoid occur in Asia. The World Health Organization began intensive typhoid vaccination and surveillance efforts in Southeast Asia and the West Pacific between 2009 and 2013. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach pain and, in rare cases, death.
  4. Diabetes: With around 10 percent of the population affected, diabetes is one of the most common diseases in China. Over half of the population has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, meaning they are at high risk for developing either Type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease. Diets high in both sodium and fat, as well as little to no physical activity, put people at high risk for diabetes. Diabetes is responsible for one million deaths in China each year.

The path to a healthier China requires changes in both diet and lifestyle, as well as safer food and water sources. The Chinese government and organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control are continuing their efforts in controlling and preventing these common diseases in China.

– Kailey Dubinsky

Photo: Flickr

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Top Diseases in Mauritius


In the Indian Ocean, located just northeast of Réunion and east of Madagascar, lies the archipelago of Mauritius, a land mass totaling just half the size of Rhode Island. Previously held by the British, French and Dutch, Mauritius gained independence in 1968 and has since grown from an agriculturally-based, low-income economy to a diversified, middle-income economy. As of 2015, life expectancy for the country’s 1.2 million inhabitants has reached 74 years, and only non-communicable diseases are now the most common causes of death. Here are the top diseases in Mauritius:

Ischemic Heart Diseases

A disease that involves a decreased blood flow to the heart, ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, was the deadliest of the top diseases in Mauritius in 2015. This has been a pattern for the past ten years. In 2014 alone, the disease took 1,148 lives. Fortunately, the disease had decreased in prevalence by 9.5 percent since 2005.

Diabetes

Diabetes, a disease of permanently altered insulin levels and blood sugar, was the second highest cause of death in Mauritius as of 2015. In 2005, diabetes was only the third most common cause of death, but throughout the decade, deaths from the disease had climbed in prevalence by a staggering 65.1 percent, most likely due to a combination of recent changes in dietary habits after the introduction of fast food, lack of exercise and genetic predisposition.

Conscious of the growing health concern, the Mauritian government has established a National Service Framework for Diabetes. The goal of the organization is to lay out strategies for prevention and standards of care to be implemented.

Cerebrovascular Disease

A disease of cerebral circulation, deaths by cerebrovascular disease in Mauritius had dropped from the second most common cause of death in 2005 to the third most common cause of death in 2015, as the disease had decreased in prevalence by 9.5 percent.

In the newly industrialized economy, deaths by both ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease have decreased. At the same time, diabetes, the disease that has rapidly picked up speed, is being addressed by the Mauritian government. The country, therefore, is quickly becoming a foreign aid success story, with a responsive government ready to address the top diseases in Mauritius.

– Shannon Golden

Photo: Flickr

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Top Diseases in Montenegro and Their Prevention


Montenegro is one of Europe’s poorest countries; a Montenegrin’s average income is around $7,300. Montenegro’s health expenditure per capita is only $460, well below the thousands of dollars some of its neighbors allocate for health. This low health expenditure causes problems for people needing treatment for deadly diseases and other types of illnesses. This being said, the top diseases in Montenegro are similar to those in the rest of the world.

Despite Montenegro’s standing, the southeastern European nation is largely unaffected by communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Instead, the top diseases in Montenegro are noncommunicable, and people can usually lower their risk of getting them by following healthy lifestyles.

Heart Disease

This may come as no surprise, as coronary heart disease is the number one killer in the world. It is also the leading cause of death in Montenegro. The disease killed 1,200 Montenegrins in 2012, the most recent data available from The World Health Organization’s country report.

The accumulation of fatty substances in the arteries causes coronary heart disease. Blocked blood flow to the heart can cause strokes, which killed an additional thousand people in 2012.

Two similar diseases, cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. These diseases killed 900 Montenegrins in 2012.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing coronary heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Around 22 percent of Montenegro’s 625,000 people are obese.

Since 2007, the government has tried to start children off with healthy eating habits by forbidding food and drink advertisers to market to minors. Because of these and other policies, the WHO predicts the country’s obesity rate will decrease, which may cause heart disease rates to decrease as well.

Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Montenegro, accounting for 23 percent of all deaths. The most commonly lethal types are trachea, bronchus and lung cancers. Combined, they killed 300 Montenegrins in 2012.

Tobacco use is among the risk factors for cancer, especially ones dealing with the throat, mouth and lungs. Smoking is more prevalent in Montenegro than anywhere else in the world. The rate is 35 percent for males and 27 percent for females. On average, an adult Montenegrin smokes more than 4,000 cigarettes per year.

The government is doing something about this. Montenegro is party to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In a 2015 report, it says it has worked to “completely prevent any visibility of tobacco products” because advertising them is banned.

In addition, an increase in excise rates has increased the price of cigarettes 20 percent. At the same time, warning images on tobacco packages that show harmful consequences has increased from covering 50 percent of the package to covering 65 percent.

Health education is also progressing in the country. The Ministry of Health now pays for youth counseling sessions geared toward quitting smoking. There is also counseling for pregnant women to warn them of the dangers of smoking while pregnant. The government holds workshops and uses the media to inform people further. Plus, there are elementary and secondary school classes on the negative effects of tobacco and alcohol use.

Alcohol consumption is another risk factor that can increase one’s risk for cancer or many other diseases. In 2010, Montenegro’s consumption per capita was 13.4 liters of pure alcohol. Montenegro implemented a national strategy for the prevention of alcohol abuse and alcohol-related disorders in 2012. The government regulates alcohol advertising and product placement, but there is room for other means of improvement. As of 2014, Montenegro had no national alcohol-monitoring program or legally mandated health warning labels on alcoholic drinks.

Of course, there are many other causes of heart disease and cancer besides poor lifestyle choices—genetics, age and environmental risks are a few. In addition, a less-than-perfect health care system can worsen the rates of top diseases in Montenegro.

Poor Healthcare and Sanitation

Most public hospital equipment in Montenegro is outdated and expensive to run. State hospitals and pharmacies often have little medicine and supplies. One woman told BalkanInsight that her appointment was rescheduled because the hospital did not have needles to do blood work. Others have to wait in long lines before they are seen.

Sanitation is also an issue in Montenegrin hospitals. A 2015 inspection revealed poor hygiene standards and dangerous bacteria in hospitals.

Montenegro has the lowest number of doctors per capita in Europe, and corruption is not uncommon, possibly because the doctors also have relatively low salaries. Some doctors ask for bribes in exchange for preferential treatment, putting impoverished patients in a tough position.

Some Montenegrins cannot receive adequate care with the problems facing state hospitals in Montenegro. When people go untreated, they may not be able to earn an income, which could drag them into poverty. Montenegro’s economy and poverty level could improve with improvements in the country’s health care system when the current policy ends in 2020.

The top diseases in Montenegro, such as heart disease and cancer, could affect fewer people in the future if the government continues healthy lifestyle education, expands regulation of harmful substances and updates medical facilities.

– Kristen Reesor

Photo: Flickr

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Life Expectancy in Low-Income Countries On the Rise


The average life expectancy in low-income countries is increasing dramatically. This change can be attributed to increased access to health aid programs.

The increase in life expectancy is a global trend; technology and medical research are beginning to offer solutions to once-fatal conditions. A study by the Imperial College of London anticipates that global life expectancy will experience an overall increase by 2030.

However, the rate of improvement is particularly dramatic within low-income countries that have historically low life expectancies. While wealthy countries such as the United States are experiencing a plateau in life expectancy, sub-Saharan Africa’s average life expectancy has increased by eight years since 2002. In 1960, life expectancy in the region hovered at 40. Now, individuals can expect to reach an average of 59 years of age.

This sharp incline in life expectancy of low-income countries is attributed to a greater access to aid programs and organizations than ever before. A Stanford study found that countries receiving the most health aid gained five or more years in average life expectancy. In 140 low-income countries, access to public and private health aid programs between 1974 and 2010 rapidly increased life expectancy across the board.

Health aid has a high impact in low-income regions because many of the leading causes of death are easily preventable or treatable. Vaccines have all but wiped out the most deadly diseases in children including tetanus, polio and measles. For every billion dollars spent on health aid, around 364,800 deaths of children under five are prevented. Because child mortality rates bring down the average age of death dramatically, countries such as Brazil have gained over 33 added years of life expectancy simply by offering these vaccines. Improved sanitation methods, medical services and access to food and water can also be credited for the success of aid in increasing life expectancy in low-income countries. Malnutrition, which can lead to an array of other medical conditions, was the leading risk factor for death worldwide in 1990; it has now fallen to number eight on the list.

With the shift away from infectious diseases and malnutrition as the primary killers in low-income countries, there has been an emergence of diseases familiar to wealthier countries such as cancer and heart disease. However, because these diseases happen at a much lower rate and tend to develop later in life, life expectancy in low-income countries continues to rise.

Since life expectancy is a reliable indicator of health levels in a particular region, the success of health aid in recent years is remarkable. Aid programs continue to improve life expectancy in low-income countries by allowing greater access to health resources.

– Kailey Dubinsky

Photo: Flickr

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The Most Common Diseases in Malawi


With a population of around 17 million, the small African state of Malawi has substantially high rates of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and diarrheal diseases. AIDS has consistently been prevalent in Malawi, with 27 percent of the population currently either infected with HIV or diagnosed with AIDS.

The people of Malawi have not lost hope to these common diseases in Malawi, as numbers are declining and life-saving treatments are becoming readily accessible. AIDS has historically been a disease that not many come back from, but with innovative antiretroviral treatments (ART) the virus (HIV) has become manageable.

In 2011, about 67 percent of all children and adults diagnosed with AIDS or infected with HIV in Malawi were receiving ART. The World Health Organization (WHO) helped with the foundation of 716 clinics in the country. As of December 2015, these clinics were administering the treatment to over 870,000 people.

In addition to AIDS, malaria has an association with the entire continent of Africa. An estimated 3.3 million inhabitants living in Malawi have contracted malaria. This statistic is astonishing considering the population in Malawi is only around 17 million. Due to its extreme prevalence, doctors and health care professionals are always searching to find solutions to this problem.

According to UNICEF, an African child dies every 30 seconds as a result of malaria. To combat the situation, UNICEF has partnered with the government of Malawi and various other international organizations. One way they have found a solution is through subsidizing mosquito nets. At one hospital, purchasing mosquito nets only costs a mere 20 cents.

Although children across the continent are being killed by this deadly disease every few seconds, it is pregnant mothers who are the most concerning. In their case, both the mother and baby can contract the disease. Thankfully the fix is easy, requiring pregnant mothers to take anti-malaria pills only twice during their pregnancy. This medicine fights various side effects of malaria in both the mother and the baby.

Fighting common diseases in Malawi cannot be done solely by taking medications and receiving vaccines. Diarrheal deaths are among the most common disease deaths in Malawi. However, a healthy lifestyle is essential to fighting this epidemic. Nutritious food and an unpolluted environment are necessary for lowering the number of people affected by diarrheal deaths. Around 10 million people in Malawi still do not have access to purified water, which exacerbates the problem of diarrheal disease-induced mortality.

These common diseases in Malawi are manageable in various ways. With the help of organizations such as the WHO and numerous nonprofits, Malawi has hope for the future in eradicating these diseases. Services such as subsidizing mosquito nets and offering ART across Malawi have already made substantial improvements in the lives of millions.

– Sophie Casimes

Photo: Flickr

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The Most Common Diseases in Ghana and Their Prevention


Ghana is a relatively small country located in western Africa, with a population of about 28 million people. Of these 28 million people, tens of thousands die every year from common diseases in Ghana. In recent years, Ghana has made improvements in its national health, such as the reduction of infant mortality. While the health of its people continues to improve, there are still many serious illnesses that affect the people of Ghana. Here are some of the most common diseases in Ghana:

Lower-Respiratory Infections

The leading cause of death in the country in 2012, lower-respiratory infections affected more than 22,000 people in Ghana. Lower respiratory infections are not uniform in how they affect people, but these infections are normally diagnosed as acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, influenza and pneumonia. These infections are now being linked to the quality of air both indoors and outdoors in Ghana. Air pollution, as a result of a number of deaths due to lower-respiratory infections, is now considered one of the leading causes of death in Ghana.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease of the blood which is transmitted through mosquitos. In Ghana, malaria affects thousands of people every year. In 2012, over 17,000 people in Ghana died from malaria. While malaria is a disease that can be prevented, many people in Ghana do not have access to preventative drugs. In April of this year, The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Ghana, along with Malawi and Kenya, will participate in a WHO-developed program that will provide the world’s first malaria vaccine beginning in 2018.

HIV/AIDS

As of 2015, about 270,000 people in Ghana were living with HIV/AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a disease that can lead to the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency virus). This disease attacks the body’s immune system, killing cells that help the body fight off infections. While there is no cure for the disease, it can be managed with different types of medical care. Despite the care available, many people in Ghana do not have access to these treatments. As a result, HIV/AIDS was the cause of death for over 13,000 people in Ghana and the orphanage about 160,000 children.

These common diseases in Ghana still have a significant effect on the population. While these issues can be fixed or managed more easily in other countries, Ghana still struggles to keep these ailments from causing serious harm, or even death, to their people. The country continues to fight against these diseases with actions such as the distribution of the first malaria vaccine, providing a vision of progress and providing hope for the future.

– Olivia Hayes

Photo: Flickr

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5 of the Most Common Diseases in Aruba


Aruba is a 70 square mile island situated in the southern Caribbean Sea. A frequent travel destination for vacationers, Aruba is known for its blue waters, white sands and diverse culture. However, aside from its beautiful beaches, Aruba is also home to many infectious diseases. Here are 5 of the most common diseases in Aruba.

5 of the Most Common Diseases in Aruba

1. Zika

Although Zika is not a prevalent disease in Aruba, there have been a few cases and “public health officials have reported that mosquitoes in Aruba are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people.”

Zika could potentially become one of the most common diseases in Aruba because of the island’s mosquito population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that there is no medicine or vaccine to prevent Zika, so the easiest way to avoid getting the disease is by using precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

2. Hepatitis A and E

Travelers to Aruba are encouraged to receive vaccinations for both Hepatitis A and E. These similar diseases are mostly spread through the intake of unclean food or water. Hepatitis A and E are serious diseases that “interfere with the functioning of the liver” and can be a burden to the body for up to a year.

3. Circulatory diseases

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) stated that “diseases of the circulatory system are the leading cause of death in Aruba.” Ailments such as ischemic heart disease and stroke were the top sources of mortality and relatively common diseases in Aruba.

4. Diarrhea

“Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment” according to Red Planet Travel. Caused by consumption of impure food or water, diarrhea can also be associated with nausea, vomiting and fever. To prevent diarrhea, travelers and locals are advised to stay away from eating raw or unpeeled foods and unpasteurized milk or dairy.

Doctors and health professionals recommend bringing an antibiotic to cure diarrhea if it does occur while traveling.

5. Diabetes

The PAHO shared in their Aruba health report that “there is a high prevalence of diabetes in Aruba.” This disease may be common for residents of the island but is not infectious or particularly a concern for visitors.

– Sydney Missigman

Photo: Flickr

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Top Diseases in Comoros

Diseases in ComorosComoros is a small island in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. The nation only has a population of only 826,539. Although their population is modest, the health-related problems afflicting Comoros are immense. The average life expectancy is 63.5. Malaria, tuberculosis and other common infectious diseases inflict the most harm overall. The level of poverty plays a large role in the advancement of these diseases. Here are the top diseases in Comoros and how poverty is progressing them:

Malaria

In Comoros, malaria is one of the more prevalent health issues. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include chills, high fever, headaches, nausea, anemia and more. If patients do not receive treatment, the disease is fatal. Many of the cases of malaria are in tropical and subtropical places where Anopheles mosquitoes can survive and multiply effectively. Consequently, the highest number of cases is found in Africa, south of the Sahara. Comoros is a poor country, ranking 169 out of 187 on the Human Development Index. The poverty level in Comoros largely explains why malaria is still an issue. Additionally, mortality rates associated with malaria do affect the poorest people the most, as they can often not afford the preventative measures capable of curing the disease. Malaria and other tropical diseases account for 5.5 percent of the mortality in Comoros.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms include cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Unfortunately, the disease is fatal without proper treatment. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis combined account for 7.9 percent of the mortality in Comoros. Top diseases in Comoros have similarities. Tuberculosis, like malaria, is also a curable disease when given the proper treatment. Both malaria and tuberculosis are diseases are no longer problematic in wealthier countries. The wealth disparity is an explanation as to why these diseases have not been eradicated in poorer countries, like Comoros. People do not have access to preventative measures, nor have they received education on how to avoid these diseases.

The top diseases in Comoros show little development compared to the rest of the world. However, health experts in Comoros say that they are making progress. In 2004, malaria had infected nearly 40 percent of the population. After 10 years, that number has fallen drastically. Most of this progress is due to the government of Comoros, which “launched its first five-year anti-malaria drive in 2005 with initial funding of $2.4 million from the Global Fund against malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS” (Seychelles News Agency). As malaria and tuberculosis are both curable diseases, the prevalence of these illnesses is falling. As with most epidemics, education and funding are the most important factors in ending the longevity of both malaria and tuberculosis.

– Lucy Voegeli

Photo: Flickr

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Climate Change Increases Risk of Common Diseases in Fiji

Diseases in Fiji
Many of the diseases in Fiji, a group of volcanic islands in the South Pacific, are preventable. Some are communicable while others are not, but vaccines and hygiene could eliminate many of the risk factors involved in contracting these diseases. Climate change is also creating problems in disease prevention.

The most common communicable diseases in Fiji are as follows:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria
  • Measles, mumps and rubella
  • Chickenpox
  • Influenza
  • Dengue fever

Child immunization coverage is less likely in developing countries. While developed countries have immunization standards and emergency health procedures, most developing resources still do not have the resources to do so, and vaccinations may be rare or nonexistent. In the developing world, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and asthma continue to be a problem as well.

Mosquitos help play a role in spreading communicable diseases, particularly in tropical climates. The major common diseases spread by mosquitos are dengue fever and Zika, which remains a risk for pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Other factors such as bacteria found in contaminated water, food, and open wounds can lead to a risk of disease.

Climate change continues to increase the risk of common diseases in Fiji. Where public health and health systems are inadequate, populations are more susceptible to facing negative consequences of climate change.

The World Health Organization gathered in 2015 to consider proposals that will support developing countries as they adapt to the effects of climate change and improve health systems to deal with non-communicable diseases while making communicable diseases a priority.

The CDC recommends that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations but also advises hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations, because contaminated water or food can spread these regardless of where you eat or stay. More people being vaccinated and practicing healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk of spreading communicable diseases and help eliminate non-communicable diseases as well.

– Stefanie Podosek

Photo: Flickr