5 Global health issues to watch in 2023

What is next on the horizon for global health? IHME experts were asked for their takes on the most critical health issues to watch in 2023.

MENTAL HEALTH - Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with no evidence of a decrease in this burden since 1990. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, war, and violence on mental health remains a priority, specifically understanding how these have impacted the prevalence and burden of mental disorders in 2022 onward and how countries should be adapting their mental health response accordingly.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 28% of total deaths in 2021. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases substantially contribute to health loss and the economic burden on health care systems. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, dietary risks, and smoking.

LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - “Lower respiratory infections (LRI), especially respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, are health issues to watch in 2023.

“We saw a general decline in influenza and RSV infections in 2020 due to COVID-19 mitigation measures such as mask use and social distancing. With the relaxation of these measures, many young children who haven’t been exposed to RSV in the past couple of years are being infected, resulting in RSV outbreaks. Countries have also experienced a surge in influenza across all ages.

DIABETES - The burden of diabetes in the Americas is large, increasing, heterogeneous, and expanding, Population-based interventions such as taxes and incentives, more informative food labeling, improving the built environment to facilitate exercise, and greater advocacy to inform people of the risk diabetes poses, combined with expanded health education to combat diabetes risk factors, seem the best options. Policies aimed to help avoid weight gain and improve dietary quality are also paramount.

DEMENTIA - Anticipated trends in population growth and population aging are expected to lead to large increases in the number of people affected by dementia globally, underscoring the public health importance of dementia. To adequately care for those with dementia, appropriate planning for the necessary supports and services required is needed.

Interventions targeting modifiable risk factors, such as low education, smoking, and high blood sugar, have the potential to reduce the overall societal burden and should be prioritized.

Consistent principled chiropractic care can help in all these areas. Proper spinal alignment and a well-functioning nervous system are key to reducing health risks. Your body has an amazing ability to heal itself, and principled chiropractic is an important part of that process.

If we remove the obstructions, your body will function better and be better able to handle the day to day stress. A strong and healthy nervous system will help protect you from illness and injury.