Non-communicable diseases to cost $47 TRILLION

As the UN meets to discuss chronic, non-communicable diseases this week, some astounding figures are being shared. The first study to quantify the value of productivity losses and the cost of medical treatment for cancer, diabetes, and other non-contagious diseases is projecting the total cost to be approximately $47 trillion by 2030.

NEW YORK, NY (Catholic Online) - In addition to being expensive, the chronic diseases outlined in the report are also expected to be the leading causes of death worldwide.
 
The study was conducted by the World Economic Forum and Harvard University and presented on the eve of a major UN summit intended to develop approaches to the diseases, which are already overwhelming world healthcare systems.
 
The World Health Organization has identified strategies to prevent and treat cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, which they say would cost $11.4 billion per year to implement in low-to middle-income countries. However, the same study says that failing to address the concerns could cost as much as $7 trillion.
 
Olivier Raynaud, senior director of health at the World Economic Forum, said in a statement, "Families, countries and economies are losing people in their most productive years.

Non-communicable diseases have the potential to not only bankrupt health systems but to also put a brake on the global economy."

Non-communicable diseases presently account for approximately three of five deaths worldwide. The vast majority of those deaths are in poorer countries.
 
Other conditions, including mental illness are also costing countries, researchers say. Mental health and cardiovascular disease combined, account for 70 percent of all lost productivity. These illnesses are caused or exacerbated by poor lifestyle habits, including smoking, alcohol use, sedentary behavior, and poor diet.

While some nations may balk at the prices associated with addressing these diseases, researchers claim the cost of doing nothing is much higher. For a low-income country to implement changes, the cost is projected to be about $1 per person, per day. For well-developed nations, that cost is about $3 per day, which may actually be less, comparatively speaking, when relative factors such as gross domestic product are figured in.

The approaches recommended by the report do not only include access to medical procedures. Most of the emphasis is on prevention and making people aware that they must make lifestyle changes. Public awareness campaigns to educate people on the dangers of smoking and drinking and to encourage people to eat better and exercise are a major part of the proposal. Taxes on tobacco and alcohol are also being suggested.

The key will be strong partnerships between government and private sectors because the solutions must be implemented across the whole of society.

On Tuesday, world leaders are expected to produce a resolution for government action on these issues, as well as to step up measures to fight cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

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