Financing NCDs

The devastating effects of NCDs in terms of human lives are compounded by their impact on the economy. People in low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, facing both devastating health expenses and losses to the economy that hinder progress and growth. The cost of inaction on NCDs is far greater than the investment required. And yet, NCDs remain the most underfunded global health issue relative to the billions of people affected.

Key facts

A huge investment gap

NCD prevention and control remain underfunded worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Stagnant development aid over decades has kept health for all out of reach for most people.

NCDs and poverty form a vicious cycle

People with fewer resources are more exposed to NCD risk factors and face major barriers to health . This results in catastrophic health expenditures and losses in productivity and human capital, pushing more people into poverty.

The world's best investment opportunity

It is simple: countries can save millions of lives while yielding massive economic returns by implementing the cost-effective and evidence-based NCD interventions known as NCD Best Buys.

What is NCD financing?

The recognition of NCDs as a priority on the global health agenda has not been accompanied by increased funding for their prevention and control, which has stagnated for almost three decades.

The cost of inaction is an unacceptable, inequitable and increasing human toll of NCDs coupled with destructive long-term impact on economies. 82% of premature deaths (between the ages of 30 and 70 years) from NCDs occur in low- and middle income countries (LMICs), where out-of-pocket health expenses push millions into poverty every year while the impact on human capital and productivity hampers development.

NCDs are estimated to cost the global economy over $2 trillion per year – but investing in NCD prevention and care comes at a fraction of that cost. For just an additional US$1.27 per person per year, LMICs could save 8.2 million lives, prevent several NCDs, and generate US$350 billion by 2030.

A young woman living with diabetes gets her height measured at a hospital

Why should governments invest in NCDs?

The WHO Best Buys are among the most effective NCD interventions — that is, they are affordable for all countries and guarantee a big return on investment in lives and money saved.

Maria, person living with multiple chronic conditions in Brazil. Still from Facing Forward series

NCDs represent far more than a health issue – they are a major human rights and equity issue, as they disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

In most countries, people who have a low socioeconomic status and those who live in poor or marginalised communities have a higher risk of dying from NCDs than people from groups and communities with more resources, with 85% of premature deaths (between the ages of 30 and 70) from NCDs occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is due in part because exposure to some NCD risk factors among poorer communities. The country’s stage of economic development, cultural factors, and social and health policies also influence the chances of receiving timely diagnosis and treatment for NCDs. At a household level, most people in LMICs pay out-of-pocket for much of their NCD treatment and care, often pushing them into extreme poverty.

NCDs reduce productivity and human capital, while increasing healthcare costs from serious illness, disability and death, generating an average cost of more than US$ 2 trillion per year.

Globally, NCDs represent a substantial threat to human capital in the short-term by ending 15 million lives every year prematurely, and by reducing labour supply and productivity and increasing absenteeism in the workforce due to NCD-related illness and disability. Furthermore, healthy longevity is a crucial component of human capital as the world’s population is ageing. NCDs comprise the vast majority of avoidable disease burdens that impair the possibility of healthy aging; therefore, the longer we are able to prevent the onset of these conditions, the more productive our societies will be.

NCDs pose a powerful threat to human capital in the long term as well, by impeding the educational attainment of children and adolescents, and making it impossible for family caregivers to participate in the labour market. These negative impacts are greater for women and girls as they tend to bear more responsibility of health and social care in households.

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