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Chronic Disease Presents New Challenge as World Ages
HelpAge International
April 7, 2009
World
Developing countries already struggling to combat malnutrition, malaria and HIV are facing new health challenges due to the rapid rise in chronic diseases as their population ages, HelpAge International warns on World Health Day, 7 April 2009.
Chronic diseases such as stroke, dementia and heart disease - which affect mainly older people - are already the biggest cause of death and disability in much of the developing world.
Two thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s reside in developing countries, of which a staggering 98 per cent are over the age of 65. Around 85 per cent of deaths from stroke also occur in developing countries, two thirds of which are among those over 70.
By 2015, developing countries will account for 67 per cent of the world’s older people and as their societies continue to age so will the number of people living with chronic diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that by 2030, chronic diseases will account for over three quarters of all deaths in low and middle-income countries.
Access issues
Yet older people continue to face numerous barriers in accessing primary healthcare and services are not effectively meeting their needs. User fees are key concern, as many older people do not have a regular source of income. Associated costs such as transport put health services even further out of their reach, particularly for those with mobility problems.
Older people can also face age discrimination when accessing health services. HelpAge International studies in Kenya have shown that older people are often told their condition is due to ‘old age’ rather than a disease in need of treatment.This shows a lack of training in age-related health issues among healthcare professionals.
Limited availability of drugs to treat chronic diseases and other age-related conditions is also an issue.
Healthcare in emergencies
In emergency situations of conflict or natural disaster, which disproportionately affect developing countries, addressing chronic diseases is particularly vital since many conditions can worsen and even become life-threatening without regular assessment and medication.
An assessment carried out by HelpAge International in Gaza in February 2009 found that 70 per cent of patients with chronic diseases who regularly attended primary healthcare centres reported interruptions in their treatment during the recent conflict.
Mark Gorman, Head of Strategy at HelpAge International, says:
“We often think of chronic conditions such as heart disease as predominantly affecting the developed world, but in fact the opposite is the case.
“Changing disease patterns combined with population ageing mean that developing countries are going to have to manage a rise in chronic diseases alongside existing healthcare demands.
“We must urgently look at ways to improve older people’s access to primary healthcare so that the increasing numbers of people living with chronic diseases are able to manage their condition and remain in good health.
"If governments act now, they can ensure that the future generation ages well and can remain active and productive members of society.”
HelpAge International’s agenda for action to include older people in primary healthcare services includes:
• The provision of free health services which will ensure that everyone, including older people, can access the care they need. A study from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has shown that a minimum package of a universal pension, disability grant and basic healthcare could cost less than 5% of GDP.
• Ensuring health services respond to the needs of older people by increasing the availability of drugs to treat chronic diseases and providing training to staff in geriatric medicine – particularly in emergency situations
• The recognition of older people as a priority group in emergency situations alongside children and women
• Helping older people monitor the provision of healthcare themselves and lobby for improvements. By including older people in healthcare policy, services will better address their needs
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