From data to action: national burden of disease studies shaping health policy and priorities

Abstract Quantifying the burden of disease (BoD) is more than a statistical exercise; it is a powerful tool to inform targeted health policies and improve population well-being. The Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) combines fatal outcomes, measured as years of life lost due to premature death (YLL), and non-fatal outcomes, measured as years lived with disability (YLD), into a single, comprehensive population health metric. While the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study provides a valuable international framework, its estimates may not always align with national data realities or priorities, limiting their relevance for country-specific decisions. This presentation explores how BoD studies can drive a health-informed agenda, helping turn data into action. National BoD studies address the limitations of global models by using country-specific data and aligning with local health priorities. This presentation outlines key methodological steps in conducting such studies, including data selection, modeling assumptions, and integration of information across regions, sexes, and age groups, while also acknowledging limitations. These national assessments offer detailed insights into how disease burden is distributed across subpopulations. They help identify the conditions contributing most to health loss and how these vary by population group and geography. Such insights are vital for addressing health inequalities and tailoring interventions. Case examples will highlight disparities and show how results can guide context-sensitive policy recommendations. Despite their complexity and data demands, national BoD studies offer key advantages. They produce timely, context-specific evidence that supports priority setting, efficient resource allocation, and long-term health planning. By identifying health burdens across groups and regions, they provide essential groundwork for building fair, data-driven health policies.