The World Health Report 1997

This World Health Report 1997 focuses on major chronic noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and heart disease, diabetes and rheumatic conditions, and mental and neurological disorders. It shows that the bonuses of an increasing life span are in danger of being outweighed by the burden of chronic diseases. This report conducted by the WHO, examines and explains the causes of these diseases, and highlights the main risk factors in their development, from genetic influences that are being probed in research laboratories, to the role of the unhealthy lifestyles that are becoming commonplace in a fast-changing world. In each area, the report identifies priorities for international action in terms of prevention, treatment, cure, and rehabilitation. It also offers individuals the best available advice on protecting their own health. The report is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1 discusses the global health situation and shows the burdens of major diseases such as circulatory diseases, cancer, and some mental disorders. Chapter 2 provides an overview on the contribution of the WHO during 1996 in supporting the progress of Member States in improving people's health. Chapter 3 examines the disease trends and the possible changes in the health prognosis. Furthermore, priorities for action that are intended to improve humanity's ability to prevent, treat, rehabilitate and where possible, cure major noncommunicable diseases, and to reduce the enormous suffering and disability that they cause are discussed.