In a report released to emphasise the need for financial investment in preventing losses due to non-communicable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) informed that 85 per cent of the global deaths due to such diseases occur in low and middle income countries, including some of the poorest nations in the world.

“What is less well-known is that 85% of all premature deaths from NCDs globally now happen in low- and middle-income countries. Not only does that have a devastating impact on families and communities, it also exacts a heavy toll on health budgets, social participation and productivity,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in the foreword of the report.

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The report titled Saving lives, spending less: the case for investing in noncommunicable diseases was published by WHO on December 13 and further informs that non-communicable diseases result in 70 per cent of the deaths around the world.

“Investing in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has never been more important. These diseases currently cause seven out of every ten deaths around the world. Yet many of the deaths could be prevented with an additional investment of less than one dollar per person per year,” the report underlines.

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It mentioned that NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases and stroke have a major impact on health and well-being and are responsible for around 74 per cent of global deaths every year.

WHO’s suggestions to reduce mortality due to NCDs

The report mentioned that despite the devastating impact of NCDs and the availability of evidence-based strategies to reduce their impact, there continues to be massive underinvestment in these measures. 

“This analysis shows that an additional investment of US$ 0.84 (US Dollar) per person per year in LICs (lower income countries) and LMICs (lower middle income countries) could deliver a package of measures that will reduce the burden of NCDs. The measures would reduce tobacco use, curb the harmful use of alcohol, improve diets, increase physical activity, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and prevent cervical cancer,” the report mentioned.

When converted into economic and social benefits, the report claims that these health gains are estimated to be worth more than US$ 230 billion. “This figure represents the total value of economic output from those whose deaths would be averted, along with productivity gains from more people avoiding NCDs and social benefits from increased years of healthy life,” it said.

What does this investment mean for donors?

As per WHO’s report, growing evidence for the health and economic benefits of NCD policies, combined with the harsh spotlight COVID-19 has shone on the damage done to people living with or at risk for NCDs, makes tackling these diseases a priority. 

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“Donors making substantial new investments in this area can expect to see significant impact from their investment, which will also bring more attention and visibility to the problem of NCDs. This will be key to building preparedness for future pandemics and humanitarian crises” it mentioned.

Implications for inequality

The report stated that from the perspective of global equality, it is needed to address NCDs in poorer countries in order to protect their populations and economies from the burdens caused by these diseases. 

“Even in comparatively wealthy societies, it is the poorest and most vulnerable who have the least access to treatment and are the most exposed to risk factors. Theirs are the lives that are most impacted by the diseases,” it stated.

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“Investing in preventing NCDs will lead to healthier, more economically productive people and a substantial improvement in national output. At the same time, reducing health-care costs, sickness among workers and related out-of-pocket expenses leaves more money for people to spend,” the report added.