Global Agenda Council on Health & Well-being 2011

Lack of health and well-being are a global syndrome of the 21st century, and the result of the way economies, lifestyles and development trends have evolved over time. Poor mental health affects one in four people over a lifetime, and depression alone is the third leading cause of disability globally, responsible for 4.3% of years lived with disability.

Lack of health and well-being are extraordinarily costly to governments and the private sector, crowding out essential resources needed for government services and reducing profits. China will forego US$ 558 billion and India US$ 237 billion in national income between 2005-2015 as a result of premature deaths caused by diabetes, heart disease and stroke alone. Costs associated with mental ill health account for 2-3% of GDP, with most costs related to absenteeism and presenteeism. This invisible epidemic is an underappreciated cause of poverty and hinders the economic development of many countries.