Non-communicable diseases continue killing thousands of people globally due to various causes, including a lack of financial support to treat them.
In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that boosting digital health initiatives could be a game changer, potentially saving millions of lives.
It further indicates that by investing just an additional US$0.24 per patient each year in digital health tools like telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots, over 2 million lives could be saved from these diseases over the next decade.
This approach could also prevent around 7 million emergency health events and hospital admissions, easing the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
The report, titled “Going Digital for Non-Communicable Diseases: The Case for Action,” was unveiled at a gathering hosted by the Gambian government during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
This publication underscores the urgent need for nations to leverage technology in healthcare, especially for managing non-communicable diseases, which often go untreated due to limited access and resources.
With a growing global population facing lifestyle-related health issues, the time for action has never been more critical.
The future of health is undoubtedly digital, but realising this vision requires collaboration and adequate resources.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that no single organization can achieve this alone.
Ghebreyesus urged governments, partners, and donors to unite and strategically invest to ensure that life-saving innovations reach those who need them most.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin echoed this sentiment, stating that the digital revolution holds the potential to transform healthcare.
She stated the importance of universal meaningful connectivity and called for enhanced collaboration between the health and tech sectors, particularly in developing robust digital public infrastructure to deliver health services effectively and inclusively.
“Digital is a catalyst for delivering targets in key sectors such as health and education,” she noted.
Statistics
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases account for more than 74% of deaths worldwide each year, and many of these deaths could be prevented.
Although there have been improvements in fighting these diseases, incorporating digital health technologies into regular healthcare systems is still a challenge.
The report stresses the urgent need to use these technologies to enhance effective treatments and reduce the pressure on healthcare systems globally.
Certain everyday habits, such as smoking, poor diet, excessive drinking, and lack of exercise, increase the risk of developing NCDs by causing health issues like high blood pressure, obesity, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol.
Digital tools, like mobile messaging and chatbots, can help people learn about these risks and encourage them to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Individuals with NCDs need regular check-ups and ongoing management, often requiring specialised care. Digital solutions like telemedicine can help them access healthcare more easily.
Additionally, real-time data and tools can assist healthcare providers in making better decisions for their patients.
While over 60% of countries have created a digital health strategy, many still struggle to integrate new technologies into their existing healthcare systems.
The report urges countries to invest in digital infrastructure and establish standards to overcome significant challenges and fully utilize the benefits of digital health.
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