Digital healthcare investments could save millions from non-communicable diseases

An investment of an additional $0.24 per patient per year in digital health interventions such as telemedicine, mobile messaging and chatbots could help save more than 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases over the next decade, according to a new report jointly published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This investment could also prevent an estimated 7 million acute events and hospitalizations, significantly reducing the burden on health systems worldwide.

Publication titled “Digital Transition for Noncommunicable Diseases: The Case for Action“ was presented at an event organised by the Government of The Gambia on the 79th anniversary of^t United Nations General Assembly in cooperation with ITU and WHO.

The future of health is digital. But to make this vision a reality, we need both resources and collaboration. No one organization can do it alone. We call on governments, partners and donors to come together, invest strategically and ensure these life-saving innovations reach those who need them most.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO

“The digital revolution has the potential to unleash a health revolution,” said ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “At ITU, universal and meaningful connectivity is a priority, as digitalization is a catalyst for achieving goals in key sectors such as health and education. We call for greater collaboration between the health and technology sectors, including the development of a strong digital public infrastructure, essential for the delivery of digital health services that can benefit people everywhere, leaving no one behind.”

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, are responsible for more than 74% of deaths worldwide each year, many of which are preventable. While significant progress has been made in combating NCDs, integrating digital health technologies into mainstream health systems remains a challenge. The report shows that there is an urgent need to leverage these technologies to scale up effective interventions and alleviate the growing burden on health systems worldwide.

Four major risk factors related to our daily environment—smoking, unhealthy diet, harmful alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity—cause responses in our bodies that also increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases: elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood glucose, and elevated cholesterol. Digital tools, including mobile messaging and chatbots, can help individuals understand their modifiable risk factors and encourage them to develop healthier habits.

People living with NCDs require regular monitoring and ongoing treatment, and many require long-term and specialized care. Digital tools such as telemedicine can help them overcome barriers to accessing healthcare. Real-time data and tools for healthcare professionals can also help them make informed decisions about their patients.

While more than 60% of countries have developed a digital health strategy, integration of new technologies with existing health infrastructure is often lacking. The report calls on countries to invest in digital public infrastructure and promote standards and interoperability that can overcome critical barriers to realizing the full potential of digital health.

The report is a roadmap, complementing the WHO Global Initiative for Digital Health and the Global Strategy for Digital Health 2020–2025. The Secretariat of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (UNIATF), in collaboration with WHO and ITU, including through the Be He@lthy, Be Mobile programme, is committed to providing tailored strategic planning and advocacy support to governments.