Digital health investments hold the key to preventing millions of deaths from noncommunicable diseases

An additional investment of just US$0.24 per patient per year in digital health interventions, such as telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots, could save over 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the next decade. This is according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The report also highlights that this small investment could avert around 7 million acute medical events and hospitalisations, substantially reducing the pressure on healthcare systems globally.

The publication, titled “Going Digital for Noncommunicable Diseases: The Case for Action“, was launched during an event hosted by the Government of The Gambia at the 79th United Nations General Assembly. The launch was a collaborative effort between the ITU and WHO.

“The future of health is digital. But to make this vision a reality, we need both resources and collaboration,” stated WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “No single organisation can do it alone. We call on governments, partners, and donors to come together, invest strategically, and ensure that these life-saving innovations reach those who need them most.”

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin echoed this sentiment, saying, “The digital revolution has the potential to unleash a health revolution. At ITU, universal meaningful connectivity is a priority because digital is a catalyst for delivering targets in key sectors such as health and education. We call for greater collaboration between the health and tech sectors, including the development of strong digital public infrastructure, which is essential for delivering digital health services that can benefit people everywhere without leaving anyone behind.”

The Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, account for over 74% of global deaths each year. Many of these deaths are preventable. Despite progress in tackling these conditions, integrating digital health technologies into mainstream healthcare systems remains a significant challenge. The report underlines the urgency of adopting these technologies to scale up effective interventions and lessen the growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

Four major risk factors related to lifestyle and environment — tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity — drive physiological changes in the body that increase the likelihood of NCDs. These factors contribute to raised blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood glucose levels, and high cholesterol. Digital tools, such as mobile messaging and chatbots, can help individuals understand and manage these modifiable risk factors, encouraging them to develop healthier habits and reduce their risk of NCDs.

The Role of Digital Health Tools

For individuals living with noncommunicable diseases, ongoing monitoring and long-term specialised care are often essential. Digital health interventions like telemedicine can help individuals overcome barriers to accessing healthcare services, such as distance or limited availability of specialists. These tools also provide real-time data for healthcare professionals, enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding their patients’ care.

While over 60% of countries have developed national digital health strategies, many face difficulties integrating these new technologies into their existing healthcare infrastructure. The report urges countries to invest in digital public infrastructure and promote the use of interoperable standards. This approach would help overcome significant obstacles to unlocking the full potential of digital health.

A Call for Global Collaboration

The report serves as a blueprint for action and supports both the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health and the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. The WHO, the ITU, and the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of NCDs (UNIATF) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Be He@lthy, Be Mobile programme, are committed to providing tailored strategic planning and advocacy support to governments.

Dr Tedros and Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments, tech innovators, and healthcare providers. Digital health technologies hold the promise of transforming healthcare and ensuring that individuals everywhere, regardless of location, can access the care they need. However, for this promise to be realised, both financial investment and concerted global cooperation are required.

By making digital health a central part of healthcare infrastructure, we have the potential to not only save millions of lives but also to significantly alleviate the strain on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The time for action is now. By investing strategically in digital health, we can prevent millions of unnecessary deaths and ensure a healthier future for all.

A Future Built on Digital Innovation

This report calls on governments and stakeholders to prioritise the development of digital infrastructure that supports healthcare delivery and public health initiatives. The blueprint laid out in the report highlights the need for strong, interoperable systems that can scale up interventions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for individuals living with NCDs.

As digital technologies continue to evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities to improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. By leveraging these innovations, we can address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time and move closer to a future where no one is left behind in the pursuit of health equity.