Stroke and Tuberculosis Among Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in Indonesia

World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that 10 diseases are the leading causes of death in Indonesia.

Stroke ranks first, with 131.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Second is ischemic heart disease, or the cause of heart attacks, with 95.68 cases.

In third place, with a significant gap, is diabetes mellitus, at 40.78 cases. Fourth is tuberculosis (TB) at 33.24 cases. Closely behind in fifth place is cirrhosis of the liver with 33.06 cases.

Chronic lung disease follows with 28.89 cases, then diarrhea at 23.6 cases. Hypertension is eighth at 20.26 cases, followed by lower respiratory infections at 19.39 cases. Finally, neonatal deaths (infant mortality) are at 16.77 cases.

The WHO states that monitoring annual death counts will help address the causes and adapt the healthcare system to react effectively.

These findings can also be used as a basis for improvement in other sectors. For example, the transportation sector to better address road traffic accidents; food and agriculture to provide food that can address the prevalence of diabetes; and to provide support to improve mental health.

"Understanding why people die can help understand how people live to improve health services and reduce preventable deaths in every country, effectively responding to changing epidemiological circumstances," writes the WHO.

Here is a complete list of the 10 leading causes of death in Indonesia:

1. Stroke: 131.8 deaths per 100,000 population
2. Heart attack: 95.68 cases
3. Diabetes mellitus: 40.78 cases
4. Tuberculosis (TB): 33.24 cases
5. Cirrhosis of the liver: 33.06 cases
6. Chronic lung disease: 28.89 cases
7. Diarrhea: 23.6 cases
8. Hypertension: 20.26 cases
9. Lower respiratory infections: 19.39 cases
10. Neonatal deaths (infant mortality): 16.77 cases