Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and mental disorders in Suriname: Investment case

Overview

In Suriname, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders are the main factors of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the burden they impose on health, they also represent a significant burden on the national economy. Their treatment generates high costs, and people enduring these conditions are more likely to drop out of the workforce, be absent from work, or perform with reduced capacity. These impacts are far-reaching, affecting not only individuals and families but also the broader economy and health system sustainability. This brochure presents the findings and key conclusions of The case for investment in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and mental disorders in Suriname: A return-on-investment analysis. The analysis indicates that the adoption of a cost-effective package of interventions – such as policies to control tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and excessive salt consumption – would yield significant health and economic benefits for the country. Specifically, the implementation of this policy package would help save an estimated 3500 lives and restore approximately 41 000 years of healthy life in Suriname over a defined period. These outcomes would be achieved through reductions in the incidence and severity of NCDs and mental disorders, decreased treatment costs, and improvements in workforce productivity. This evidence provides a compelling argument for immediate action. Prioritizing prevention and control of NCDs and mental disorders is not only a public health imperative but also a sound economic investment that contributes to national development and well-being.