When NCDs becomes a global challenge, it is inevitable to underline that developing countries are struggling the most. As their healthcare systems are already under stress because of equally tough problems such as combating infectious diseases and providing greater access to maternity care.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person.
Incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is on the rise, globally as well as in Asia Pacific region. Implications are far reaching too – while on one hand, it results in a loss of productivity due to increased sick days or even permanent reduction in workforce, costs associated with government subsidized insurance and healthcare infrastructure can also be quite staggering on the public exchequer. Impact is therefore not only to an individual or a family unit, but is also increasingly a bane for policy makers at a macro level.
The figures are just as alarming: it is estimated that NCDs globally claim over 40 million lives annually, of which around 17 million are under 70 years old. About half of these are in Asia Pacific region alone. While NCDs pose a global challenge, it is imperative to highlight that developing countries – whose healthcare systems are already under stress because of equally onerous issues such as fighting infectious diseases and providing greater access to maternity care – are struggling the most.
Major NCDs, which also have the highest cases in the Asia Pacific region, are cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disorders. Increasing urbanization and globalization, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and hypertension have all been major contributors that are leading up to these diseases – with major behavioural risk factors identified as a combination of one or more habits such as increased tobacco use and alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity and unhealthy diet.
As a result, the Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations (that have replaced the earlier Millennium Development Goals), published in 2016, have a central theme around good health and well-being. The goal by 2030, specifically related to NCDs, is to:
Reduce by one third, the premature mortality from NCDs, through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being,
Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol,
Support research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and NCDs that primarily affect developing countries,
Provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines,
Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
All of this raises many interesting and relevant questions around appropriate frameworks and delivery vehicles to be adopted for addressing this universal issue, as well as the roles and responsibilities of various participants for ensuring effective and quality solutions to the challenge at hand. While a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach will likely not be appropriate, following considerations will be fundamental for anyone grappling with the problem:
Adopting new and innovative technology; for building scalable solutions
Increasing awareness, for driving behavioural lifestyle changes for the population at risk
Strengthening public & private sector partnerships, for effective and cost-efficient delivery
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
Technology is a big part of any solution attempting to address the issue, playing a key enabling role across all stages of healthcare service and delivery – from prevention, to diagnosis, to treatment and also care at home.
Growth in a...
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