Noncommunicable diseases, mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, combined represented 54% of the burden of all illness worldwide in 2001 (13) and will exceed 65% of the global burden of disease in 2020 (Fig. 1) (14). Contrary to popular belief, noncommunicable diseases and mental health problems are also prevalent in developing countries, representing as much as 46% of the total burden of disease for the year 2001 (13), and predicted to rise to 56% by 2020 (Fig. 2) (1F4).

Figure 1 Burden of chronic conditions - world (Murray and Lopez, 1996)

Source: reference (30)
DALY, disability-adjusted life year;
Combined, noncommunicable diseases + mental disorders +AIDS + TB.

Figure 2 Burden of chronic conditions - developing countries (Murray and Lopez, 1996)

Source: reference (30)
DALY, disability-adjusted life year;
Mental, mental disorders;
NCD, noncommunicable diseases.