While the rise of individual non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a known global challenge, the reality for many patients is far more complex: living with multiple chronic conditions simultaneously. This brief, the fifth in our series funded by ASSA, explores how “comorbidity” and “multimorbidity” impact health outcomes and costs in South Africa. The research highlights that treating comorbid conditions is not a simple additive process; rather, it creates “superadditive” costs and clinical complexities that challenge current healthcare delivery models. As South Africa moves toward Universal Health Coverage, understanding these disease clusters is essential for effective resource allocation and better patient care. Read the full brief below.