Panel, Fireside Chat
The Cost of Chronic Disease and the Future of Treatment
Milken InstituteHugh Waters, Hawaa Althahak Almansoori, Sumit Jamuar, Nancy Knight, Freda Lewis-Hall, Hawa Al-Mansouri
- Healthcare spending for individuals with diabetes in the MENA region is projected to rise by 81 percent by 2045.
- Obesity is predicted to impact the global population most rapidly, followed closely by cancers.
- Genomic data collection is planned to expand into previously underrepresented populations, beginning with India, to address the current bias where over 60% of the population represents less than 5% of existing data.
- The cost of genome sequencing is expected to reach $100, at which point universal sequencing for every newborn is anticipated.
- Machine learning capabilities are forecast to improve by a factor of one million over the next 30 years.
- Technological advancements are expected to enable "diagnostic avatars" capable of predicting disease prevention for specific individuals.
- There is a strategic shift required to move the healthcare paradigm from sick care to prevention, necessitating a 180-degree mindset change.
- Mobile phone survey data collection in Morocco is expected to conclude by the end of April, with plans to potentially conduct the survey annually.
- The CDC intends to collaborate with ministries of health to make mobile survey data publicly available, facilitating cross-border learning of best practices.
- The Field Epidemiology Training Program is currently training a cohort over a two-year period to enhance national-level data interpretation and policy application.
- Pharmaceutical industry efforts include educating the public about clinical trials to ensure future participants reflect the demographics of those treated.
- Pfizer is engaging with healthcare providers and mass media to increase awareness among women regarding the importance of regular self-examination.
- Pfizer aims to develop easily deployable diagnostic tools for community settings to ensure physicians identify specific mutations.
- Genomic applications must be implemented by experienced professionals to prevent inappropriate treatment or undue anxiety.
- Normal ranges for laboratory tests currently based on Caucasian populations may not apply to demographics in the UAE, India, or African-American communities in the U.S., risking metric misinterpretation.
- The industry expresses a strong desire to adopt new technologies and practices.