Empowering Health: The Role of Self-Care and NCDs in Global Health Policy

A recent open letter from the United for Self-Care Coalition urges UN member states to recognize self-care and NCDs as crucial elements in combating noncommunicable diseases ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting. The coalition empowers individuals to manage their health, reduces pressure on healthcare systems, and integrates self-care into national health policies and universal health coverage frameworks.

Essential Insights on Self-Care and NCDs

The open letter highlights several key points regarding self-care and NCDs. NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly 73% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, which receive less than 2% of official development assistance in health. The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” The letter requests several actions: i) integrate self-care into national health policies and universal health coverage frameworks, ii) recognize the bidirectional relationship between self-care and NCD management, and iii) acknowledge self-care’s role in empowering individuals and alleviating pressure on health systems. The letter is endorsed by 23 organizations, including academic institutions, professional associations, and international health organizations.

Timing for Action on NCDs

The Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on NCDs and mental health is set for September 25, 2025. Preparatory events, like a multi-stakeholder hearing on May 2, 2025, present a crucial opportunity to confront the global NCD crisis. Every 2 seconds, someone under 70 dies from an NCD. In 2021, over 43 million people worldwide died from NCDs, accounting for 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths. A staggering 86% of premature NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These regions offer less protection against NCD risks and consequences. Many NCD fatalities could be avoided through integrated preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services, along with appropriate policy and regulatory measures.

Economic Implications of Self-Care in NCD Management

The integration of self-care and NCDs into prevention and management strategies could have significant implications:

1. Improving Health System Efficiency: Self-care empowers individuals to take control of their health. This could decrease healthcare usage and costs linked to preventable NCD complications. It aligns with the need to address how NCDs impede economic growth by undermining human capital and reducing workforce participation.
2. Market Access Opportunities: The coalition’s call for “access to self-care products” opens avenues for greater availability of non-prescription medicines and digital health tools. This could reshape market access strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
3. Innovative Reimbursement Models: Integrating self-care into UHC frameworks may require new reimbursement approaches. These should acknowledge the value of preventive self-care interventions and products, presenting challenges and opportunities for innovative financing.
4. Promoting Health Equity: Self-care can empower individuals, but equitable access to resources, education, and products is essential. This is crucial given that 86% of premature NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
5. Sustainable Financing for NCDs: The International Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for NCDs and Mental Health took place in June 2024. It likely addressed some economic challenges, but the coalition emphasizes the continued underfunding of NCDs in global health financing.

The advocacy from the coalition signifies an important shift toward viewing individuals as active participants in their healthcare. This could have lasting effects on healthcare delivery models and resource allocation. For further insights, you may explore the complete details in the original letter from the coalition here.