Description

Access to medicines, diagnostics and medical devices for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is a critical global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the burden of NCDs is rising rapidly. Limited availability of affordable, quality-assured NCD medicines and technologies exacerbates health inequalities worldwide, making it difficult for vulnerable populations to receive timely treatment and management of their conditions, ultimately leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving global health outcomes and achieving universal health coverage.

The 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs is a unique chance to renew global focus on access to essential medicines for NCDs and set the agenda to address barriers to diagnostics and medical devices. The NCD Alliance, in collaboration with the University of Geneva and a group of key NGOs, has developed a brief on access to essential NCD medicines and technologies which addresses these issues and makes five key recommendations for Member States, the UN and the WHO to renew their commitments to improve equitable access to NCD medicines worldwide.

On 23 January, NCD Alliance co-hosted a thematic webinar to share the brief, galvanise the NCD community around the common issues related to access to essential NCD medicines, diagnostics and other technologies, and to stratagise in the lead-up to the HLM.

Recording: