Working Group on Digital Health on NCDs
In many countries, access to health is still a challenge: according to the World Bank, there is only 0.2 doctor and 1.2 nurses/midwives per 1,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa (versus 3.5 and 7.6 respectively in the European Union) 1,2 Further, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a significant dual burden of disease. In addition to combatting acute infectious diseases, more than ¾ of NCD deaths - 31 million - occur in LMICs3; however, only 1% of global health funding is aimed at preventing NCDs. Strengthening primary health care to address NCDs will curb the growing burden through prevention and care and reduce healthcare expenditure.
Primary prevention should be the focus for any strategy for NCDs, alongside care and management at a primary level to treat those with NCDs in a cost-effective and sustainable way in LMICs.4
Connectivity and access to the internet is crucial for the supply of essential services such as health and education. It has the potential to be a game changer in primary health care to address NCDs to improve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that will support the Sustainable Development Goal 3. In 2016, Africa's mobile penetration reached 80% and continues to increase. The power of digitalization is already starting to revolutionize the health sector in its reach, delivery, capacity and effectiveness.
The final outcome of the Working group entitled 'The Promise of Digital Health: Addressing Non-communicable Diseases to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage in Low- and Middle-Income Countries' was launched in New York at the annual meeting of the Commission, on 23rd September.
The report provides practical recommendations and best practice examples for how policy makers can use readily available digital technology to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart and lung diseases, cancers and diabetes. NCDs killed 41 million people in 2016, causing more deaths than any other disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Properly addressing NCDs is essential to achieve Universal Health Coverage, which is where all people can access the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
Membership
WG comprises the following members:
| Commissioners and External Experts |
Broadband Commissioners: - Novartis Foundation (Chair)
- Intel (co-chair)
- ITU
- Government of Rwanda
- Government of Ethiopia
- Government of Pakistan
- European Commission
- UN-OHRLLS
- African Commission
- GSMA
- UN Foundation
- Nokia
- KT Corporation
- Global Partnerships Forum
- Microsoft
- Huawei Technologies
- UN Global Pulse
- America Movil
- Inmarsat
External Experts: - WHO
- World Bank
- PAHO
- Vital Strategies
- The Union
- USAID
- PATH
- Asia eHealth Info Network
- NCD Alliance
- Norad
- Praekelt
- Gates Foundation
- Orange
- Axa
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