Sudden and unexpected deaths caused by asthma are reported in some Member States. Most important risk factor for COPD is smoking, although air pollution from burning domestic waste and exhaust fumes also contribute. It is necessary to assess the effect of inhalation of smoke from these sources on health. There are several important genetic diseases, many of which are aggravated by consanguinity. Among these, are sickly cell disease, thalassaemia, G6PD deficiency and various birth defects.
Further research is required to assess the magnitude of the problem in the Region.
The trends of mortality and morbidity caused by injuries are likely to double in 2020, compared to 1990.