Data for better health—and to help end poverty

摘要: The World Bank Group welcomes the publication of new Global Burden Disease Study (GBD). commissioned fi rst GBD in 1990, and continues to make extensive use this signal contribution global health. Like its predecessors, new, methodologically updated 2010 marks a milestone health knowledge our capacity for evidence-based action. It will once again set terms policy, planning, funding discussions years come. gives us data-rich framework comparing importance diff erent diseases, injuries, risk factors causing premature death disability within across populations. Its value lies not only data but critical it makes possible. Specifi cally, has sharpened thinking on issues as diverse measurement comorbidities; role culture mediating experience disease; meaning dis ability; impact poverty challenges be rigorous clear arguments about criteria that should guide programming investment decisions at country, regional, levels. shows remarkable achieve ments past two decades, well continuing, emerging, require Life expectancy is rising, prevalence many communicable including HIV/AIDS, dropping. Yet some parts world, preventable illnesses, such diarrhoea, remain stubborn causes childhood. We must confront growing burden non-communicable fundamental shift from towards increasing lived with chronic illnesses debilitating conditions. To respond eff ectively these challenges, national local systems strengthened, even transformed, policy development spectrum reassessed—from safety nets urban planning. an indispensable resource public leaders ensure their investments yield greatest possible benefi ts, help end boost prosperity. body evidence analysis foster conversations are needed whole government, just ministries health, fulfi l responsibility.