Abstract
The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is growing, and access to prevention and treatment strategies remain limited, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Novel approaches are needed to improve access and affordability of medicines that can treat NCDs in LMICs. An integrated approach including differential pricing, health systems strengthening, improved supply chain management and greater affordability can improve access to innovative branded medicines for NCDs. While differential pricing has several advantages for improving the affordability of NCD medicines in LMICs, it can’t overcome all access barriers as a standalone approach. An integrated approach to health systems strengthening, supply chain management and affordability are needed to overcome key challenges in getting medicines for NCD to patients in LMICs. The Access and Affordability Initiative (AAI) is a public private partnership aiming to improve access to and availability of essential medicines for the treatment of NCDs and strengthening of health systems. Through this novel initiative a prospective cohort of patients with hypertension and diabetes were followed in Ghana and the Philippines to examine the effect of differential pricing on access to treatment of hypertension and diabetes.
Highlights
Burden of non-communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, have emerged as the leading cause of premature deaths globally
Eighty-six per cent of these deaths are estimated to occur in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), where they pose a serious public health threat[1]
The cost of medicines in populations with limited access in LMICs can become more affordable and, when coupled with needed health system improvements, has the potential to dramatically increase access to medicines for specific conditions among lower income segments of the population. These key commitments on the part of the international community are critical in helping achieve improved access for patients living with NCDs in LMICs
Summary
Burden of non-communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, have emerged as the leading cause of premature deaths globally. Key international commitments recognize the need for improvement in access and affordability for essential medicines The WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of non-communicable diseases was endorsed by the 66th World Health Assembly to strengthen national efforts to address the burden of NCDs1. The cost of medicines in populations with limited access in LMICs can become more affordable and, when coupled with needed health system improvements, has the potential to dramatically increase access to medicines for specific conditions among lower income segments of the population These key commitments on the part of the international community are critical in helping achieve improved access for patients living with NCDs in LMICs. The WHO recently launched the #beatNCDS campaign, which aims to assist countries to achieve nine global voluntary NCD targets to reduce premature deaths from cancers, heart and lung diseases, and diabetes by 25% by 2025.
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