Business
Roche executive flags 43 million NCD deaths a year
The Hindu BusinessLine··1d ago
Roche executive Jörg Rupp said rising non-communicable diseases are a major economic issue. At Health Innovation: Media Dialogue 2026, he said around 3 billion people live with a chronic disease. NCDs account for about 43 million deaths a year, or nearly 75 percent of deaths worldwide. He said poor health can cut productivity by up to 15 percent of GDP.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Rupp said about half the world's population lacks access to essential health services.
- He said two-thirds of diseases are inadequately treated or not treated at all.
- He cited an expected economic return of $7 for every $1 invested in NCD prevention.
What's Happening
- Rupp spoke as Head of Pharma International Areas at Roche.
- More than 12,900 medicines are in development worldwide, with 75 percent targeting NCDs.
- He said health systems designed for acute care are mismatched to continuous NCD needs.
The scale Roche cites
- Cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurological disorders and respiratory disease drive much of the burden.
- The global population aged over 65 is projected to triple by 2050, Rupp said.
- Roche reported CHF 61.5 billion in Group sales in 2025.
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