21ST CENTURY: A CRITICAL ERA FOR GLOBAL HEALTH

| March 1, 2024

These critical health concerns include the high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally [1], the most notable of these non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. These conditions affect people of all age groups and they seem to be fueled by unhealthy diets and lack of physical exercise which seem to be a norm in the globalized society of the 21st century. Numerous variables that fall under several categories can raise the likelihood of developing NCDs. According to one method, risk variables are categorized as either non-modifiable or modifiable, depending on whether their conditions change. Age, gender, genetics, race, and ethnicity are the non-modifying risk factors. In contrast, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, obesity, and high blood cholesterol are the modifiable risk factors [3]. The main risk factors for NCDs are behavioral and metabolic, and these can be avoided in a number of ways. The majority of global conversations center on risk factors for self-management, including food, exercise, weight, tobacco and alcohol use, and oral health care. They emphasize the significance of personal accountability in controlling these risk factors [3]. When it comes to teaching patients about the need to eat a balanced diet and encouraging healthy behavior through workshops, practicums, and didactics, healthcare specialists are essential. The majority of nations place a high priority on the management of NCDs, and NCD prevention efforts heavily incorporate interventions designed to encourage healthy behavior throughout society [4].

Another critical concern is psychological health, recent studies have shown that there has been an increase in the percentage of adults with mental health issues, especially among young adults [2]. According to Mignucci (2019); “The researchers suggest that access to smartphones, and the corresponding decrease in sleep, might be factors that uniquely affect Gen Z, rather than millennials”. Among the main causes of disability worldwide are mental and substance use disorders [5]. In 2019, there were about 970 million prevalent cases of anxiety and depression worldwide [6]. Since 1990, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of substance use disorders [6]. More than 108 million cases of alcohol use disorders and more than 56 million cases of drug use disorders are widespread worldwide among substance use diseases. With about 22% of cases of prevalent drug use disorders, opioid use disorders are the most common type of drug use disorder [5]. Finding and implementing appropriate resources for treating people in need of mental health care has been one of the main concerns for Global Mental Health. The continuum of mental health to mental illness is addressed by a variety of therapy modalities, such as creative digital interventions, community- and facility-based mental health services, and informal and self-care support.

There are multiple health concerns in the 21st century, some of which have puzzling causes. Whether it is due to physiological or psychological causes the rise that we see in morbidity and mortality and the discovery of new illnesses, for example, the recent strains of Covid all complicate the situation even more. The world needs to focus more on the health sector and creating sustainable ways of combating these health concerns.