The burden of chronic disease is accelerating at a rapid pace, not only in developed nations like the United States and Europe but increasingly worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2020, chronic diseases will account for almost three-quarters of all deaths worldwide, and the number of people in the developing world with diabetes will increase to 228 million by 2025. On a global basis, 60 percent of the burden of chronic diseases will occur in developing countries.

This rapid rate of change, along with an increasing disease burden, is creating a major public health threat which demands immediate action. The Center for Health Policy at Brookings is collaborating with international health care professionals and health policy experts to identify global accountable care innovations that accommodate the political, economic, and cultural needs of populations around the world. Together, we are developing a collection of practical case studies to address these pressing issues and improve public health worldwide.