A major new report released has revealed the staggering health benefits that have resulted, and will continue to result, from investments in research and development (R&D) for poverty-related neglected diseases over the past two decades.
According to the report by Policy Cures Research, between 2000 and 2040, at least 40.7 million lives will be saved and 2.83 billion DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) will be averted due to new biomedical products developed to tackle neglected diseases that primarily affect populations in low- and middle-income countries.
“These findings make an iron-clad case for the tremendous health impact that can be achieved by investing in R&D for global health,” said Dr. Nick Chapman, CEO of Policy Cures Research. “The scale of lives saved and years of healthy life restored is absolutely staggering.”
The report, titled “The Impact of Global Health R&D,” is the result of over two years of comprehensive research, data collection, and analysis conducted by Policy Cures Research and its partners. It examines the health, economic, and wider societal benefits generated by global investments in neglected disease R&D since the turn of the century.
Beyond the immense human toll, the report also calculates that these health gains will translate into $49.7 trillion in net economic benefit globally by 2040. Additionally, the societal return on investment (ROI) is estimated at $405 for every $1 spent on neglected disease R&D.
“Decision-makers will always face competing priorities, but this report makes clear that investing in global health innovation is one of the most impactful things we can do,” added Dr. Chapman. “The data shows these investments yield tremendous returns, not just in improved health outcomes, but in broader social and economic benefits as well.”
Crucially, the report notes that over 70% of the projected health and economic gains are expected to occur between now and 2040. Realizing this potential, however, will require sustained and expanded commitments to funding R&D for neglected diseases in the years ahead.
“Recent years have underscored the increasing burden of proof we face to keep global health R&D on the agenda,” said Dr. Chapman. “This landmark report serves as a powerful piece of evidence to support the continued prioritization and scaling up of investments in this vital area.”
