Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Health systems worldwide are face growing pressures from rising chronic disease rates, aging populations, and escalating healthcare costs. Despite strong evidence supporting the cost-effectiveness of preventive health interventions, investment in prevention remains disproportionately low. This research explores how the systemic challenges resulting in the underinvestment of prevention can be overcome.
METHODS: We conducted a targeted literature review to understand the challenges that lead to underinvestment in prevention. These challenges were mapped to stages in the lifecycle of prevention initiatives, providing a framework to systematically identify corresponding solutions. We focused on the funding stage, developing actionable recommendations for how financial resources for prevention can be raised and protected. The proposed solutions were validated through consultation with an expert council comprising leaders in health policy, financing, equity, and the pharmaceutical sector from both high- and low-income settings.
RESULTS: We identified four interconnected phases in the lifecycle of health prevention initiatives: (1) funding, (2) implementation, (3) monitoring and evaluation, and (4) realising outcomes. This framework enabled us to distinguish between challenges related to securing initial funding and those related to sustaining effective resource allocation over time. Key funding challenges identified include misaligned incentives within the health system and short-termism dominating decision-making, while prevention delivers benefits in the long-term. Promising funding solutions include social impact bonds and using blended private funds to finance a dedicated prevention fund. We emphasise the importance of ongoing impact measurement to build confidence in current investments and incentivise future funding decisions.
CONCLUSIONS: This research presents a structured approach to diagnosing and addressing the systemic barriers that hinder sustainable and equitable investment in prevention. By linking specific challenges to stages in the prevention lifecycle, we offer policymakers practical tools for targeted and effective solutions. Innovative financing mechanisms have the potential to realign incentives and secure long-term health and economic benefits from preventive care.