Geneva, Switzerland - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide.
A study by the World Economic Forum and Mercer Marsh Benefits examines the role of digital tools in addressing this health crisis amid a shortage of health workers.
The Key Points
- The report, Wiring the Community Health Worker: A Winning Strategy for NCD Care, focuses on digital health tools that help community health workers (CHWs) manage chronic diseases.
- A projected 10 million health workers shortage by 2030 underscores the need for innovative health solutions.
- Key findings include integrating technology with human-centered health care and feedback from more than 1,000 CHWs worldwide.
- Strategies highlight the importance of digital solutions in addressing the NCD crisis and improving CHW capacity.
What They Say:
Andrew Moose of the World Economic Forum highlights the need for digital health solutions to address the NCD crisis.
Lorna Friedman of Mercer Marsh Benefits highlights the critical role of CHWs in achieving universal access to healthcare.
What Comes Next:
The report shows that 80% of CHWs use digital health tools, with 84% optimistic about their impact.
A pilot program in the Philippines successfully managed diabetes and hypertension using a digital platform.
Recommendations include increasing the capacity of CHWs through training and compensation and highlighting their critical role in health care delivery and education.
