IXL Social Enterprise Case Studies Chronic Diseases October, 2013 | Page 3

Table of Contents / Figures

Contents
Over 250 million slum dwellers suffering from chronic diseases need help 5
Chronic diseases affect an estimated 250 million people in slums worldwide
5
Physical chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and
diabetes account for 63 percent of deaths worldwide
6
Mental chronic disease is a leading cause of disability and lost productivity
7
Slum dwellers have a range of complex healthcare needs
8
Current solutions to address chronic diseases in slums are not working
Prevention is not a priority
Alternate solutions are preferred, which delay correct diagnosis and treatment
Clinics are ill-equipped to identify chronic diseases early and provide proper treatment

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The social and economic cost of chronic diseases is significant for individuals, families and
society 11
Individuals suffering from a chronic disease pay with more than their health
11
Families who care for members with chronic disease face financial and emotional stress
11
Chronic diseases are costly for society
11
Generic pharmaceuticals, better medicine and digital technology may offer solutions, but
more are needed to counter the increasing slum population 11
Generic pharmaceuticals are increasingly available to slum dwellers
11
Better medicine is making healthcare more accurate
12
Virtual solutions and telemedicine are beginning to offer lower-cost health options
12
However, the impact of chronic diseases in slums is expected to increase due to behavioral risk
factors in slums, urban migration and increasing life expectancy
13
Solutions for chronic diseases in slums are not a priority for government ̰