A newly released global report titled “Going digital for noncommunicable diseases: the case for action,” jointly developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlights the significant health and economic benefits that digital solutions can provide in tackling the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The report serves as a call to action for the adoption of digital health interventions, with a focus on improving health outcomes and reducing costs related to NCD care.
The report presents a comprehensive approach to implementing evidence-based digital health interventions for NCDs, including the use of telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth) applications, and health chatbots. These digital tools, according to the findings, have the potential to bridge healthcare gaps and improve access to quality health services, particularly in underserved populations. The report emphasizes the necessity of expanding access to digital infrastructure and tools to ensure that equitable healthcare is accessible to all.
One of the key findings of the report is that an annual investment of less than USD 0.67 per patient could result in saving more than 2 million lives globally, while also reducing healthcare expenses by USD 199 billion over the next decade. Such an investment, though modest, could significantly impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for patients with NCDs. However, the report also stresses the importance of ensuring that digital health services are equitable, affordable, and reliable, particularly as approximately one-third of the world’s population remains offline.
The adoption of digital health interventions can make a significant contribution to addressing the global burden of NCDs, which account for approximately 70% of all deaths worldwide. NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer, are the leading causes of mortality and place a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Digital solutions such as telemedicine and mHealth applications can help reduce this burden by improving early diagnosis, monitoring, and management of these chronic conditions.
The report also underscores the importance of integrating digital tools into existing healthcare systems to create a more cohesive approach to NCD management. By integrating data from various digital health interventions, healthcare providers can have a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health status, which can lead to better decision-making and more personalized care.
In Indonesia, for example, the report’s recommendations have the potential to accelerate ongoing digital health interventions. The country has made significant strides in recent years in standardizing and integrating key digital applications for NCD monitoring and surveillance. Programs such as ASIK (Aplikasi Sehat Indonesiaku), SATUSEHAT (OneHealth), and the NCD Information System (Sistem Informasi PTM-SI PTM) serve as key examples of how digital health can be utilized to monitor and manage noncommunicable diseases effectively. By aligning with the recommendations outlined in the WHO-ITU report, Indonesia can further enhance the impact of its digital health initiatives and improve health outcomes for its population.
The report’s findings demonstrate that digital health has immense potential in addressing the rising burden of NCDs. By investing in affordable, evidence-based digital solutions and expanding access to digital health infrastructure, countries can significantly reduce healthcare costs while improving the health and well-being of their populations. The success of digital health, however, will largely depend on ensuring that these interventions are accessible and equitable, bridging the digital divide that still exists for many.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
