Preliminary figures between January to September 2024 indicated that ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines. The number of people who died from this illness was estimated at 75,500. Following this, cancer resulted in the deaths of about 43,000 people. Eating habits Heart diseases have been linked to high meat consumption, among others. In the Philippines, pork has been the most consumed meat type, followed closely by chicken. While pork meat is typically produced domestically, the country also imports pork to supplement its supply. However, plant-based food has started gaining popularity among Filipinos. In fact, a 2024 survey revealed that 69 percent of surveyed Filipinos consumed plant-based products, including meat alternatives. Common diseases in the Philippines Aside from heart and cerebrovascular diseases, the Filipino population is also exposed to infections, diabetes, skin diseases, and illnesses resulting from high meat consumption. In 2020, over 700,000 Filipinos contracted acute respiratory tract infections, followed by over 400,000 diagnosed with hypertension. In areas with high exposure to rain, dengue infections and leptospirosis have also become prevalent.

According to preliminary data between January and September 2024, *** percent of deaths in the Philippines were caused by hypertensive diseases. Deaths from such illnesses have fluctuated since 2017 across the country.

According to preliminary data between January and October 2024, *** percent of deaths in the Philippines were caused by pneumonia. Deaths from such illnesses significantly dropped from 2020 onwards, from its peak share of **** percent in 2019.

In 2021, diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin was the leading cause of mortality among children aged one to four years old in the Philippines. The number of deaths caused by such disease amounted to 611. The other major causes of child mortality in the country were remainder diseases of sepsis, other tuberculosis, as well as respiratory tuberculosis.

In 2021, ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines. Among the male population, approximately ****** people have died from the disease. Meanwhile, just over ****** female population in the country succumbed to death due to ischemic heart disease.

According to preliminary data between January and October 2024, *** percent of deaths in the Philippines were caused by diabetes mellitus diseases. Deaths from such illnesses peaked in 2020. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed when glucose is high in the blood.

In 2024, 362 people died due to major natural disasters in the Philippines. The peak number of deaths due to natural calamities was reported in 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan hit various regions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippines has seen a gradual decline in its suicide mortality rate over the past decade, with *** deaths per 100,000 inhabitants recorded in 2021. This trend is particularly noteworthy given the country's strong religious foundations, which often play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes and mental health perceptions. Religious influence on mental health Religion holds immense importance in Filipino society, with ** percent of respondents in a 2020 survey stating that it was critical to them. The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, with about ** million people affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. This religious landscape may contribute to the country's approach to mental health issues and suicide prevention, as faith typically serves as a source of comfort and support for many Filipinos. Challenges and prevention efforts Despite the overall declining trend in suicide rates, the Philippines faced a significant increase in suicide cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, deaths caused by intentional self-harm rose by **** percent compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the need for improved mental health support systems, especially during times of crisis. The National Center for Mental Health reported over ***** suicide-related calls in 2022, indicating a growing awareness and willingness to seek help. However, stigma surrounding mental health issues remains a challenge, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to promote open discussions and support in Filipino society.

The number of deaths caused by dengue in the Philippines amounted to ***** in 2021. That was an increase compared to the previous year. The number of deaths caused by such disease fluctuated in the past decade. Dengue is a tropical disease caused by a mosquito bite.

In 2021, the leading illnesses among people living in the National Capital Region of the Philippines was hypertension, with over ****** cases. This was followed by acute respiratory infection and animal bites. Hypertension was one of the most common diseases among Filipinos.

In 2020, there were about **** thousand new cases of breast cancer in the Philippines. Breast cancer had the most amount of new cancer cases and the disease was considered one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines.

The statistic shows the infant mortality rate in the Philippines from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the infant mortality rate in the Philippines was at about 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.

The Philippines reported about ****** HIV cases, an increase from the previous year. The number of reported HIV cases has gradually increased since 2012, aside from a significant dip in 2020. The state of HIV As the monthly average number of people newly diagnosed with HIV increases, the risk it poses threatens the lives of Filipinos. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks the body’s immune system, with more males being diagnosed than females. In 2022, the majority of people newly diagnosed with HIV were those between the age of 25 and 34 years, followed by those aged 15 and 24. There is still no cure for HIV and without treatment, it could lead to other severe illnesses such as tuberculosis and cancers such as lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. However, HIV is now a manageable chronic illness that can be treated with proper medication. What are the leading causes of death in the Philippines? Between January and September 2024, preliminary figures have shown that ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines. The prevalence of heart diseases in the nation has been closely attributed to the Filipino diet, which was described as having a high fat, high cholesterol, and high sodium content. In addition, acute respiratory infections and hypertension also registered the highest morbidity rate among leading diseases in the country in 2021.