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New Economist Enterprise Research Highlights Why Integrating Self-Care Into <a href="https://healthylife7.com/health-kabushenga-tips-men-on-life-and-wellness/” title=”Health: Kabushenga tips men on life and wellness”>Health Systems Matters
Business Wire
Thu, July 23, 2026 at 10:33 PM GMT+5:30
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New research by Economist Enterprise, supported by Bayer, highlights the potential of self-care to become a more integrated component of modern health systems
The research underscores that self-care works best when it is integrated into formal health systems, with reliable information, affordable access and clear referral pathways
The next phase of self-care policy involves moving from recognition to practical support: helping people use self-care safely and affordably
LEVERKUSEN, Germany, July 23, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Self-care, when effectively integrated into health systems, can improve health outcomes, expand access to healthcare services and reduce pressure on overstretched health systems, according to new research by Economist Enterprise. The research, supported by Bayer and published in a report titled “Making self-care work: integrating self-care into health systems“, cites existing evidence estimating that self-care practices can deliver approximately US$ 179 billion in annual economic benefits while helping countries move towards universal health coverage (UHC).1
As healthcare systems face growing pressure from ageing populations, chronic diseases, workforce shortages and unequal access to care, self-care is increasingly recognized as a route to improve health outcomes, expand access and support more sustainable healthcare delivery. The research underscores that self-care works best when effectively integrated into formal health systems, with reliable information, affordable access and clear referral pathways
Dr Manjulaa Narasimhan, Scientist, The Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization (WHO), says in the research, “Self-care is the first line of action for all healthcare. With evidence, supportive policy and trained health and care workers, self-care can contribute to improving health and wellbeing for all.”
Self-care strengthens health systems when it is well supportedDefined broadly by the WHO as the ability of individuals, families and communities to manage health and wellbeing, self-care spans a wide spectrum—from everyday health behaviors and preventive practices to digital tools, self-monitoring, and the use of over-the-counter medicines. This broad definition also presents challenges, particularly in governance, measurement, and consistent integration across health systems, says the Economist Enterprise research.
It goes on to say that self-care works best as part of a supported path through health systems, rather than a substitute for them. Well-supported self-care enabled by reliable information, affordable access, and clear referral pathways can:
