Addressing the global challenges of multimorbidity – lessons from South Africa

Abstract

The main objective of this workshop was to consider the burden of multimorbidity in South Africa and the UK, and ask how we can achieve a more coherent and consistent approach to defining, researching, and addressing multimorbidity. The workshop brought together experts and evidence from South Africa, the UK and other countries on the prevalence, burden, and determinants of multimorbidity. The aims of the workshop were as follows: • Identify gaps in our knowledge on the basis of the available evidence and identify the associated research priorities required to address them. • Consider how health systems in both the UK and South Africa are currently dealing with multimorbidity, and in particular discuss the key challenges and the costs and financing issues associated with multimorbidity – particularly in light of efforts to achieve universal health care. • Consider lessons that can be learned by each country from the other. • Ask how we can achieve a more coherent and consistent approach to defining, researching, and addressing multimorbidity