Digital health investment could save millions from noncommunicable diseases

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that investing just an additional US$0.24 per patient annually in digital health interventions, such as telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots, could save more than 2 million lives from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the next decade. This investment could also prevent approximately 7 million acute events and hospitalizations, alleviating strain on healthcare systems worldwide.

The report, 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 in collaboration with WHO and ITU.

“The future of health is digital, but realizing this vision requires both resources and collaboration,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “No single organization can achieve this alone. We urge governments, partners, and donors to come together, invest strategically, and ensure these life-saving innovations reach those who need them most.”

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin added, “The digital revolution holds the potential to spark a health revolution. At ITU, we prioritize universal meaningful connectivity because digital technology can accelerate progress in key sectors like health and education. We need stronger collaboration between the health and tech sectors and robust digital public infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.”

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are responsible for more than 74% of global deaths annually—many of which are preventable. Despite progress in addressing NCDs, integrating digital health technologies into mainstream healthcare systems remains a challenge. The report highlights the urgent need to scale up digital interventions to reduce the growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

The report also emphasizes four major lifestyle-related risk factors—tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity—that increase NCD risk by contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, high blood glucose, and elevated cholesterol. Digital tools like mobile messaging and chatbots can help individuals understand and manage these modifiable risk factors, encouraging healthier habits.

Patients with NCDs often require ongoing monitoring and specialized care. Digital tools, such as telemedicine, can help them overcome barriers to accessing healthcare, while real-time data can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions for better patient management.

Although more than 60% of countries have developed a digital health strategy, many face challenges integrating these technologies into existing healthcare infrastructure. The report calls for greater investment in digital public infrastructure and the promotion of standards and interoperability to unlock the full potential of digital health.

The publication provides a roadmap for action and supports the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health and the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. Through programs like Be He@lthy, Be Mobile, the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (UNIATF), in collaboration with WHO and ITU, is committed to offering tailored strategic planning and advocacy support to governments worldwide.