Digital health investment could save millions from noncommunicable diseases
A new joint report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that an investment of just $0.24 per patient per year in digital health solutions—such as telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots—could save over 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the next decade. This investment could also prevent 7 million acute health events and hospitalizations, significantly easing the burden on global healthcare systems.
The report, titled “Going Digital for Noncommunicable Diseases: The Case for Action,” was launched at an event hosted by the Government of The Gambia during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, in collaboration with WHO and ITU.
“The future of health is digital. But to make this vision a reality, we need both resources and collaboration. No single organization 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,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin added, “The digital revolution has the potential to unleash a health revolution. Universal meaningful connectivity is a priority at ITU because digital solutions are catalysts for achieving goals in key sectors such as health and education. Greater collaboration between the health and tech sectors, along with robust digital public infrastructure, is essential for delivering health services that benefit everyone without leaving anyone behind.”
NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, are responsible for over 74% of global deaths each year, many of which are preventable. Despite ongoing efforts to combat NCDs, the adoption of digital health tools remains fragmented in many health systems. The report highlights the urgent need to integrate these technologies to scale up effective interventions and reduce the mounting strain on healthcare resources globally.
Digital tools, such as mobile messaging and chatbots, can empower individuals to manage their health by providing education and support to reduce risk factors like tobacco use, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. For people living with NCDs who require ongoing care, telemedicine and real-time data tools enable more accessible, continuous monitoring and better care coordination.
Although over 60% of countries have digital health strategies in place, challenges in integrating new technologies with existing health infrastructure remain. The report calls for increased investment in digital public infrastructure, along with standards and interoperability to overcome these barriers.
This publication serves as a blueprint for action, aligning with the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health and the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. Through initiatives such as the Be He@lthy, Be Mobile program, the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (UNIATF), WHO, and ITU are committed to supporting governments in strategic planning and advocacy to maximize the impact of digital health solutions.