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Boosting digital health can help prevent millions of deaths from noncommunicable diseases!



A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that a small investment of just US$0.24 per patient per year in digital health solutions, like telemedicine and mobile messaging, could save over 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the next decade.

This investment could also prevent about 7 million acute medical events and hospitalizations, helping to alleviate pressure on healthcare systems globally.

The report, titled "Going digital for noncommunicable diseases: the case for action", was launched during the 79th United Nations General Assembly at an event hosted by the Government of The Gambia, in collaboration with WHO and ITU.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for resources and cooperation to make digital health a reality. He called on governments, donors, and partners to work together to ensure that life-saving innovations reach those in need.ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that digital connectivity is essential for improving healthcare and other critical sectors.

She stressed the importance of collaboration between health and technology sectors to build robust digital public infrastructure that ensures no one is left behind.Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, account for 74% of global deaths, many of which are preventable.

The report highlights the urgency of integrating digital health technologies into mainstream healthcare to tackle these diseases. Digital tools like mobile messaging and chatbots can help individuals manage risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, promoting healthier habits and reducing NCD risks.

For people living with NCDs, continuous monitoring and long-term care are crucial. Digital health interventions, including telemedicine, can improve access to healthcare by overcoming common barriers. Additionally, real-time data can assist healthcare professionals in making better-informed decisions about patient care.

While many countries have developed digital health strategies, the integration of these technologies into existing health systems is often lacking. The report urges investment in digital public infrastructure and standardization to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of digital health.

This blueprint for action aligns with the WHO's Global Initiative on Digital Health and the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force (UNIATF) on NCD prevention and control, along with WHO and ITU's Be He@lthy, Be Mobile program, will continue supporting governments with strategic planning and advocacy for digital health.

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