TABLE 16.5.
Ten Leading Causes of Mortality Worldwide, 2008
| Cause | Deaths (thousands) | % of Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Ischemic heart disease | 7,250 | 12.8 |
| Stroke and other cerebrovascular disease | 6,150 | 10.8 |
| Lower respiratory infection | 3,460 | 6.1 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 3,280 | 5.8 |
| Diarrheal disease | 2,460 | 4.3 |
| HIV/AIDS | 1,780 | 3.1 |
| Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers | 1,390 | 2.4 |
| Tuberculosis | 1,340 | 2.4 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 1,260 | 2.2 |
| Road traffic accidents | 1,210 | 2.1 |
| Subtotal | 29,580 | 52.0 |
| Total estimated global deaths | 57,000 | 100.0 |
Note: Total deaths globally estimated as 57 million, 2008.
HIV/AIDS = human immunodeficiency virus; AIDS = acquired immunodeficiency virus.
Source: World Health Organization. Top ten causes of death. Fact sheet no. 310 [updated June 2011]. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/ [Accessed 30 May 2013].