Chapters 1 and 2 address the South Asian context, aging and the shifting disease pattern, country-level contexts, and the implications of these health transitions.
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
It defines noncommunicable diseases as including chronic disease (principally cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma/chronic respiratory disease), injuries, and mental health. This does not include all chronic diseases, such as those of an infectious nature (HIV/AIDS, for instance).
Context
Most people live in rural areas (71 percent).2 Despite annual average 6 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the last 20 years and declines in poverty rates, growth has not been inclusive or fast enough to reduce the number of the poor. Inequality has risen, reflecting deep distortions in access to markets, and in access to and quality of health, education, and infrastructure.
These factors have contributed to mixed progress on the health-related Millennium Development Goals, as has the failure of health systems to adjust to people’s changing needs. There is tremendous variation in population size among countries, yet all countries have similar proportions living in rural areas and significant pockets of poverty—an important point, not only for considering the challenges of addressing social determinants and NCDs but also the challenges of delivering services.
Context
South Asia is home to a large, fast-growing population with a substantial proportion living in poverty. In terms of the demographic transition, it is still relatively young, while the regional average life expectancy at birth, 64 years, is rising.
Most people live in rural areas (71 percent).2 Despite annual average 6 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the last 20 years and declines in poverty rates, growth has not been inclusive or fast enough to reduce the number of the poor. Inequality has risen, reflecting deep distortions in access to markets, and in access to and quality of health, education, and infrastructure.
These factors have contributed to mixed progress on the health-related Millennium Development Goals, as has the failure of health systems to adjust to people’s changing needs. There is tremendous variation in population size among countries, yet all countries have similar proportions living in rural areas and significant pockets of poverty—an important point, not only for considering the challenges of addressing social determinants and NCDs but also the challenges of delivering services.
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