What does the global burden of disease measure?

The global burden of disease specifically measures the impact of diseases, injuries, and risk factors on health outcomes across populations. It encompasses various dimensions such as mortality, morbidity, and disability, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of how health issues affect both individuals and communities globally. By quantifying these impacts, this concept helps identify priorities in public health, track progress over time, and allocate resources effectively.

In contrast, the financial costs of drug development do not directly relate to health outcomes or disease impact measurements. The effectiveness of various medications pertains to treatment and therapeutic outcomes but does not encompass the broader spectrum of health impacts from diseases and injuries themselves. Additionally, while the average lifespan of a population can be influenced by disease burden, it is a single metric that does not capture the full range of morbidity and disability caused by health issues. Thus, the focus of the global burden of disease is firmly on understanding how diseases and injuries affect overall health rather than solely on financial, treatment, or lifespan metrics.