Chronic Illnesses Pose Growing Economic Burden

A new WHO report warns that chronic illnesses — especially noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions — are placing a rapidly growing economic burden on countries and households. The analysis shows that investing just US$ 3 per person per year in cost‑effective NCD interventions could generate up to US$ 1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, by preventing illness, reducing health-care costs, and improving productivity.
In the WHO European region alone, NCDs are not just a health crisis — they’re a major drain on the economy. A new report estimates that productivity losses linked to avoidable deaths from NCDs top US$ 514 billion annually. Many of these deaths could be prevented or delayed through stronger public health measures and better access to care. The report calls out major disparities in how countries are tackling NCDs, even though effective best buy interventions exist and are well-known.
In Kenya, the economic toll is particularly evident in diabetes management. A cost‑of‑illness study found that the public health system spent approximately US$ 635 million in 2021 on Type 2 diabetes, with complications — especially kidney disease — accounting for the majority of costs. The researchers project that costs could soar to US$ 1.6 billion by 2045 if prevalence continues to rise.
For individual patients, the costs can also be catastrophic. A study of NCD treatment in Kenya showed that even in public facilities, patient payments are high — for example, annual hypertension medication can cost between US$ 26 to US$ 234, while treatments for chronic kidney disease or cancer can run into the thousands. Without widespread insurance coverage, many Kenyans are forced to borrow, deplete savings, or forego treatment. Health economists warn that unless chronic illness prevention and management become a funding priority, the economic burden will continue to climb — with serious consequences for health systems, productivity, and social inequality.