Pharma Industry Urges Joint Action on Growing Chronic Disease Burden
Ahead of a key UN milestone, the global pharmaceutical industry has launched a Call to Action to drive collective efforts in tackling the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, pulmonary, mental, and neurological conditions.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 75% of all global deaths, with over 43 million people dying annually due to these conditions. Alarmingly, more than 18 million of these deaths are considered premature, and over 80% of them occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Around 33% of the world’s population is affected by some form of NCD, and it is estimated that one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Additionally, nearly one billion people globally suffer from mental health issues.
The need to tackle the growing burden of NCDs is more urgent than ever. According to a 2021 study, investments in the prevention and control of NCDs could yield seven-fold annual returns in LMICs over the next decade. This approach includes lifestyle changes, such as adopting healthier diets and increasing physical activity, as well as improving primary healthcare systems. The estimated economic benefits of addressing NCDs in this way could total US $230 billion by 2030.
In line with these findings, recent research from Airfinity—commissioned as part of a global Call to Action—suggests that increasing public health spending by an additional 1% of GDP, with at least 40% of that allocated to NCD prevention and treatment at the primary care level, could save around 5 million lives annually in LMICs. This could be achieved by implementing existing, cost-effective interventions such as cardiovascular disease management, diabetes screening, and respiratory care. These findings reflect a growing consensus among health experts that further investment is crucial to curb the rise of NCDs.
This new research was published by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), the global trade association representing the pharmaceutical industry at the United Nations. The publication was timed ahead of the September UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Mental Health, where it is expected that a political declaration will be made to catalyze global action in reducing the burden of these diseases.
Over the past decade, more than 1,400 drugs have been approved to treat NCDs, significantly changing the way chronic diseases are managed and improving the lives of millions of people worldwide. Additionally, around 9,600 drugs are currently in various stages of research and development. Despite this progress, significant barriers still prevent these medicines and vaccines from reaching those who need them the most. In particular, certain NCDs remain underserved in many regions, and access to care continues to be limited.
To address these challenges, the IFPMA has called for several collective actions to improve access to essential medicines for people living with NCDs:
- Enabling Innovation: Governments and stakeholders should foster a healthy innovation ecosystem by ensuring strong intellectual property protections, increasing awareness of health innovations, and supporting the delivery of essential NCD medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices.
- Accelerating Investments: There should be a focus on making investments in health systems more efficient and effective. Developing actionable financing plans for NCDs and mental health will enable integrated prevention, treatment, and care to reach people more equitably.
- Improving Access: Governments and organizations must implement policies and programs that guarantee equitable access to NCD prevention, treatment, and care for all populations. Strengthening national health systems is essential to ensure early screening, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment options are available.
- Ensuring Accountability: Effective monitoring of progress is crucial. There should be accountability measures to ensure high standards across relevant government departments and health stakeholders, with a particular focus on monitoring the impact of vaccination programs, early screening, and treatment efforts.
The forthcoming political declaration, which will include these recommendations, aims to advance the global vision for 2050: reducing premature deaths from NCDs and easing the burden on health systems. This will contribute to healthier societies worldwide.
Dr. David Reddy, Executive Director of IFPMA, commented on the importance of innovation in improving NCD care: “Pharmaceutical innovation has led to incredible progress in preventing, treating, and curing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness, yet too many people still lack the healthcare they need.” He added that the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting provides a unique opportunity to refocus on the role of cross-sector partnerships in improving access to cost-effective medicines and vaccines, which could transform and save millions of lives globally.
Dr. Kimberly Green, Global Director of Primary Health Care at PATH (National Alliance for Access to NCD Medicines), echoed this call for collaboration: “Investments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of NCDs are considered a public health ‘best practice’ and cost-effective. Yet improving access to essential medicines has been under-represented in discussions leading up to the UN High-Level Meeting. Global, multisectoral collaboration is needed to turn the tide on NCDs and reduce the devastating out-of-pocket medical costs for people living with these diseases.”
Research further supports this approach, with evidence showing that investing an additional 1% of GDP in health, with at least 40% allocated to NCD prevention and treatment, could save 5 million lives annually in LMICs. This growing body of research demonstrates that it is crucial to invest in primary care for NCDs now to address the rising health crisis.
According to the WHO’s Global Health Expenditure Report 2021, infectious and parasitic diseases account for the largest proportion of health expenditure (37%), followed by NCDs at 26%. With the right investments and strategies, NCDs could be better managed, leading to healthier and more sustainable societies in the future.
The IFPMA continues to advocate for these policies, working to ensure that scientific advancements translate into better health outcomes for all. Through a combination of innovation, investment, and global collaboration, it is possible to curb the rise of NCDs and pave the way for a healthier future.
