Global Burden of Disease Report Releases UK Data

05.03.13 saw the online publication of the new UK specific figures from the latest Global Burden of Disease Report.

Data has shown that MSK accounts for a striking 31.3% of the total burden of disability in the UK (calculated in terms of Years Lived with Disability; YLDs), making it the single biggest cause of the burden of disability – which is on the rise, compared to the burden of life-threatening diseases (see Fig 4).

These results are a stark demonstration of significant changes which need to take place in order tackle long-term conditions and their co-morbidities. Indeed, the rising burden from musculoskeletal conditions will impose new challenges on the UK’s healthcare systems which must now be addressed.

Media coverage of this data has so far focused on premature mortality with a particular focus on smoking and alcohol. However, this new data delivers important ammunition in the fight to influence public health and decision makers.

Our UK National Action Network, ARMA has put together an informative statement based on the data released yesterday, Click Here to read

If you would like to compare the data from the Global Burden of Disease and analyze the world’s health levels and trends in one interactive tool please click here.