Proactively embracing the challenges of multimorbidity

With rapid socio-economic development and the acceleration of population aging, the average life span of human beings has increased significantly. Individuals suffering from the co-existence of multiple diseases (multimorbidity) have become a new normal in public health and posed severe challenge to human health. Multimorbidity significantly reduces the quality of life, increases disability and mortality risks, complicates disease treatment and care and increases burden of the healthcare system with higher costs. This commentary discusses the definition of multimorbidity and common public misconceptions, then assesses its profound impact on overall public health, socio-economic development and healthcare system. We also proposes the potential strategies to meet the challenges posed by multimorbidity. The main aim is to raise awareness of multimorbidity, advocate proactive responses to improve public health and build a healthy society through the development of prevention and treatment systems and promote precision prevention and treatment for multimorbidity.