A new report by R-Health Consult, commissioned the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), highlights the significant health and economic benefits of investing in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of five major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the EU: stroke, ischaemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, COPD, and breast cancer. In 2023, these diseases cost the EU approximately €530 billion—over 3% of its GDP—mainly due to direct healthcare costs.
With cases projected to rise by 16% by 2050, the report underscores the urgency of targeted action. Using case studies from Portugal, Romania, and Sweden, the report demonstrates how strategic, value-based health investments can improve patient outcomes and deliver substantial returns. It offers actionable insights for EU policymakers, particularly within health and finance ministries, on how to strengthen national health systems. The findings make a compelling case that improving health is not just a moral imperative, but a smart economic strategy for the EU’s future.