Future Trends in Global Chronic Disease Management: Insights from China

By DengYueMed International Business Department

Chronic diseases (Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs) have become a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 41 million people die from chronic diseases each year, accounting for 71% of global deaths. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers are the most prevalent types. Their long-term course, complex etiology, and high treatment costs place substantial burdens on patients, families, and healthcare systems.

Against this backdrop, China has achieved remarkable progress in chronic disease prevention and management and is increasingly influencing global NCD control, creating opportunities for international pharmaceutical markets and investors.

China’s Achievements in Chronic Disease Management

According to the Lancet 2025 Global Health study (2001–2019), China has performed exceptionally well in reducing NCD mortality:

l Significant overall mortality reduction: Female mortality decreased by 6.4%, and male mortality by 7.0%, ranking among the top in East and Southeast Asia, slightly lower than South Korea but higher than Japan.

l Major disease improvements: Age-standardized mortality for liver cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and ischemic heart disease decreased substantially.

l Benefits across age groups: Improvements were most notable in populations over 40, with men over 60 showing the largest reductions in NCD mortality.

l Notable progress in four major NCD categories: Mortality for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases generally declined, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showing particularly significant reductions.

l Leading outcomes in diabetes and diabetic kidney disease: Effective management measures have demonstrated significant reductions in mortality risk.

These achievements reflect a series of national public health policies, including public smoking bans, higher tobacco taxes, promotion of healthy lifestyles, early screening and management of chronic diseases, and national cancer screening programs.

Gender Differences and Areas for Improvement

Research indicates that women have experienced a slower decline in NCD mortality over the past decade, especially those over 50, while overall trends for men have been more favorable.

Future chronic disease management should pay greater attention to gender differences and implement targeted interventions for high-risk groups to improve overall population health.

Policy and Research Driving Global Chronic Disease Control

China’s role in chronic disease management extends beyond its borders:

International policy engagement: In May 2025, the World Health Assembly recognized chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a global priority NCD. China actively responded by incorporating CKD prevention and management into the “Healthy China Initiative,” promoting full-cycle health management and early intervention.

Research and innovative drug development: Leveraging strong basic research and clinical resources, China has attracted multinational pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca and Novartis, to conduct chronic and rare disease research.
This robust scientific and clinical foundation provides a solid platform for the development of innovative therapies and clinical trials.

Digital health and smart management: For example, Novartis’ “Shanghai Lipid Management and Cardiovascular Prevention Digital Blueprint” uses AI-driven citywide health management systems to optimize cardiovascular prevention and population health management, serving as a model for global chronic disease digital management.

Implications for Global Chronic Disease Control and Investment Opportunities

Chronic diseases are closely linked to lifestyle factors. Evidence shows that a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking and alcohol control, mental health management, and routine check-ups are key to reducing NCD risk.

China’s experience in policy implementation, research, and social participation provides valuable reference points for global chronic disease control.

At the same time, these developments present opportunities for international pharmaceutical procurement, distribution, and investment:

l Growing market potential for innovative drugs and interventions: Rising demand for early screening, chronic disease medications, and digital health tools.

l Rich opportunities for multinational collaboration: Research and clinical trial partnerships can accelerate the global dissemination of innovative therapies.

l Replicable digital health and urban management models: China’s experience offers guidance for other countries and cities seeking to strengthen chronic disease management.

Looking Ahead

With population aging and changing lifestyles, chronic diseases will remain a core global health challenge. China’s experience in NCD management, early screening policies, chronic disease treatment, and research innovation is gradually shaping global chronic disease prevention strategies.

Through cross-sector collaboration, social participation, and evidence-based management, China is poised to further consolidate its central role in global chronic disease management over the next decade, creating new opportunities for global health and pharmaceutical markets.

Within a global context, Dengyue Pharmaceuticals connects China's chronic disease medication resources with international markets through pharmaceutical exports and supply services.

This provides procurement partners and collaborators with a reliable channel to access China's chronic disease management outcomes, thereby fostering deeper international understanding of China's practical experience in non-communicable disease prevention and control.

References:

1. NCD Countdown 2030 Collaborators. Benchmarking progress in non-communicable diseases: a global analysis of cause-specific mortality from 2001 to 2019. The Lancet. Online first September 10, 2025. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01388-1

2. World Health Organization. Global status report on noncommunicable diseases, 2022.

3. WHO. Resolution on kidney disease prevention and NCD management, 78th WHA, 2025.

4. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Chronic Disease Center and National Health Commission data.