WHO: Empowering patients (April 2012)

Summary

Chronic diseases account for an estimated 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the WHO European Region, as measured by disability-adjusted life-years. These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity and chronic respiratory diseases, are now the largest cause of death and disability worldwide. This development is bringing about a fundamental shift in health systems and health care and thus in the roles of patients.