The global crisis of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) poses a major challenge for healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these conditions account for more than 74% of deaths each year. However, with the emergence of digital technologies, a glimmer of hope is emerging. Experts are calling for digital health to become a fundamental pillar in the prevention and management of NCDs, by integrating smart and inclusive solutions.
Noncommunicable Diseases: A Major Public Health Issue
Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, are a scourge that impacts not only the health of individuals but also the economies of nations. In 2025, this problem will only grow, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and unbalanced dietary habits. Alarming Statistics
The situation is alarming, with approximately 41 million deaths attributed to these diseases each year, representing more than 74% of all deaths worldwide. By 2025, forecasts suggest this figure could continue to rise.
Cardiovascular diseases: 17.9 million deaths per year Cancer: 9.6 million deaths per year Diabetes: approximately 1.5 million deaths per year
- Chronic respiratory diseases: 3.9 million deaths per year
- Risk Factors
- Several risk factors are associated with NCDs, including:
- Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
An unbalanced diet
- A lack of physical activity
- These behaviors can be mitigated through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and, above all, by integrating digital solutions into treatment and prevention pathways.
- Digital Solutions in the Making
- With advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, it has become essential to explore innovative solutions to combat this crisis. Applications such as Doctolib, Qare, and Livi facilitate the scheduling of medical appointments and patient monitoring. At the same time, telemedicine platforms such as MediPrep enable faster and more efficient access to necessary care.
Application
Features
Impact DoctolibOnline appointment booking Reduced wait timesQare Telemedicine with listed doctors Improved access to care Livi Video medical consultations
| Remote patient monitoring | In 2025, it is crucial that governments and healthcare systems integrate such innovations to respond to the NCD emergency. The future of healthcare will depend on our ability to intelligently use technology to address this crisis. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on NCD Prevention and Management | Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in healthcare, particularly by increasing the prediction and management capabilities of noncommunicable diseases. Thanks to machine learning algorithms, healthcare professionals can now predict epidemics before they affect a large population. |
|---|---|---|
| Proactive Management Tools | AI tools such as MediSafe offer personalized medication adherence reminders, facilitating the management of chronic conditions. Monitoring systems, such as blood pressure devices, are also becoming more accessible. These technologies are expected to become widespread by 2025. | Predictions and Data Analytics |
| Big data analytics make it possible to target at-risk populations to tailor healthcare interventions. Take the example of Teralytics | , which uses data to understand patient behaviors and needs. This approach allows healthcare services to be tailored to the specific needs of each population. | Success Stories |
| Initiatives such as the WHO’s Be He@lthy, Be Mobile program illustrate how AI and digital technology can strengthen efforts to prevent NCDs. By linking user data with health programs, it becomes possible to create tailored solutions that directly reach at-risk populations. | Technology | Objective |
Results
MediSafe
Medication Adherence
30% Increase in Adherence
Teralytics Behavioral Analytics Personalized Treatments
Be He@lthy, Be Mobile
NCD Prevention 15% Reduction in Diabetes CasesContinued investment in these technologies is essential, as they represent powerful levers for tackling the NCD crisis globally. Inclusivity of Digital Health Solutions
Despite technological advances, inclusivity remains a major challenge. Indeed, a large number of populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, do not have access to the same digital tools.
Barriers to Access to Digital Technologies Barriers to access include: Lack of internet connectivity
| Low digital literacy | High costs associated with technology | Lack of awareness of the benefits of digital tools |
|---|---|---|
| These issues must be taken into account in the development and implementation of digital health solutions. | Examples of Inclusive Initiatives | The MomConnect program in South Africa, for example, uses text messages to provide advice to pregnant mothers, demonstrating that simple technologies can have a huge impact. |
| A collaborative approach between governments, technology companies, and communities is needed to overcome these barriers. | Community Mobilization | Education and awareness programs must be implemented to ensure that populations effectively benefit from the technologies made available. Involving users in the design process is also crucial to ensure that products meet their specific needs. |
| Program Type | Objective | Implementation Example |
Education Programs
Raising Awareness of Technology Use
Community Workshops
SMS Initiatives
Informing Vulnerable Groups
- MomConnect in South Africa
- Public-Private Sector Collaboration
- Increasing Accessibility of Tools
- Partnerships with Digital Health Companies
Such efforts, coupled with political will and appropriate investments, could facilitate equal access to digital health for all.
Future Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Health
Regarding digital health, several challenges remain. Technologies are evolving rapidly, and it is crucial that healthcare systems adapt accordingly while ensuring the security of patient data. Data Security and Privacy Issues With the growing use of digital technologies, the issue of healthcare information security is becoming paramount. Data breaches can have serious consequences for patients and healthcare systems. Companies like SanteConnect must create robust security protocols to protect against potential breaches.
Healthcare Professional Training
Another challenge lies in training healthcare professionals in the use of digital tools. Training systems must be modernized, integrating modules on the use of new technologies in medical practice.
Continuing education on AI and data
| Training on telemedicine platforms | Raising awareness of self-monitoring tools | Future outlook |
|---|---|---|
| To take full advantage of technological innovations, it is imperative to encourage an integrated approach that combines governance, accountability, and innovation. Collaborations between healthcare stakeholders and technology companies, such as those with Alan and HealthTech, are essential to building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Challenge | Opportunity | Solution Example |
| Data Security | Improving Patient Trust | Modern Cybersecurity Protocols |
| Practitioner Training | Modernizing Healthcare | Digital Health Continuing Education Programs |
Tool Accessibility
Positively Impacting Communities
Awareness and Education Initiatives
These challenges present significant opportunities for healthcare systems to transform the management of non-communicable diseases, thereby optimizing the well-being of the entire population.
