Past Research Projects

Research Project on the Socio-Economic Impact and Challenges of Non-Communicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

In recent years, the number of premature deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs*) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has dramatically increased, while the social environment in those countries has been progressively transformed. As a result, approximately 80% (28 million) of global deaths due to NCDs concentrate in LMICs. It is estimated that the number of NCDs deaths in LMICs will be doubled by 2030. Since the cost of NCDs treatment tends to be high and NCDs are high fatality rates in LMICs, there is a fear that delays in tackling NCDs will lead to increased health expenditure and reduced productivity among the working population in those countries.

The socio-economic impact of NCDs in LMICs (e.g. increased public health expenditure, loss of productivity, impoverishment of households, etc.) has not been well understood as in high-income countries where statistical data are readily available. This has been creating a vicious circle that prevents sufficient budget allocation and more development assistance for NCDs control. As a result, NCDs account for only about 1% of public health expenditure in LMICs, including foreign aid.

In this context, this study intends to demonstrate the socio-economic impact of NCDs in LMICs and to identify policy challenges for promoting NCDs control in LMICs through a systematic review of literature and a case study on Burkina Faso, one of low-income countries in West Africa. The research focuses on the following two questions.

(a) What socio-economic impact do NCDs generate in LMICs?
(b) What are the policy challenges for LMICs in implementing NCDs control measures and integrating them into the health systems?

This study will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 (Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

*The term “Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) refers mainly to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.