The burden of chronic disease in Spain is a public health challenge that affects a significant part of the population.
According to the most recent data, 54.3% of Spaniards over 15 years of age suffer from some chronic disease, which is equivalent to more than 22 million people.
These chronic health conditions represent a substantial concern for the healthcare system and society in general, as they not only impact the quality of life of those affected, but also have significant economic and social implications.
Chronic diseases are a diverse category that encompasses a wide range of medical conditions. From diabetes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure and osteoarthritis.
So are mental health conditions of a chronic and complex nature; these pathologies have a considerable influence on the health and well-being of the population.
In addition, these diseases have a clear gender impact, as approximately 11 million of those affected are women.
Population aging and chronic disease
One of the fundamental reasons behind the high prevalence of chronic diseases in Spain is the aging of the population. In 2021, Spain ranked fifth in the European Union in terms of average age, with an average of 44.7 years.
This demographic trend has direct implications for the incidence of chronic diseases, as most of these conditions tend to manifest themselves more frequently in people over 55 years of age.
Chronic diseases not only affect individual health, but also impose a significant economic and social burden on society.
According to estimates, it will be necessary to invest around 28 billion euros in 2022 and the following years to address the health benefits related to chronicity.
This expense includes medical treatment, hospital care and other interventions necessary to effectively manage chronic conditions.
Horizon 2025 Chronicity Platform
In response to this public health challenge, the Horizon 2025 Chronicity Platform (CH2025) has proposed a roadmap to ensure care for people with chronic diseases.
This platform brings together more than 650,000 healthcare professionals, 100 patient associations and 10 million patients, all committed to improving the quality of care for those suffering from chronic diseases.
The roadmap proposed by the CH2025 Platform focuses on three key challenges. First, to advocate for a multidisciplinary, comprehensive and collaborative approach to the management of chronicity.
Second, promote patient education to empower patients in the management of their health conditions. And third, integrating new technologies into efficient medical care.
