Session 25

Why tackling chronic disease is a priority for Europe

Restating the case for investing in health

Organised by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)

As Europe faces demographic, economic, and geopolitical challenges, making it difficult to increase health budgets, the time for making the case for health as an investment has never been more pressing. In light of continued cost pressure on health systems of an ageing population, the panel will discuss the societal and economic burden of chronic diseases in Europe and the importance of investing in prevention and improving the efficiency of care.

Chronic diseases account for 80% of the EU’s disease burden, threatening the sustainability of our health systems. According to OECD, an additional 1.4% of GDP spending on health could bolster health system resilience. However, health expenditure in 2022, excluding spending on COVID-19, was below 2019 levels. Will adopting a social or public value-based approach strengthen investment decision making for a more sustainable healthcare system?

The panel aims to foster an interactive exchange on a robust ethical and economic case for innovative health budgeting, emphasising the return on investment in healthcare.