UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health
In a statement delivered at the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, IFPMA welcomed the continued efforts to drive progress on the Political Declaration.
Non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental and neurological conditions are responsible for 75% of deaths worldwide. The Political Declaration can play an important role in rallying collective, global efforts to ensure there is the right political commitment and investment to tackle the growing global burden of NCDs which impacts individuals, health systems, economies, and all parts of society.
We are pleased to see the recognition of the critical role of research and innovation, the importance of vaccines and immunization as part of NCD prevention, and the need for integrated approaches to these diseases, taking into account the interconnectedness of chronic conditions. We have a clear opportunity to evolve our health systems, shifting the focus from reactive to proactive care – enabling earlier action to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, and improving the trajectory of economic growth.
With more than 1,400 NCDs medicines launched in the past 10 years, and 75% of our R&D pipeline dedicated to NCDs and their risk factors, the medicines and vaccines our members deliver are essential in addressing NCD mortality and morbidity. Our industry is a central partner in this effort, and we remain committed to playing our part to improve access to innovation alongside other key stakeholders – not just by advancing R&D for new medicines and vaccines, but by strengthening health systems, supporting sustainable financing, and improving how prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care is delivered.
Looking beyond the Political Declaration, we have an opportunity for countries to go further to support healthier populations, resilient healthcare systems, and stronger economies. We commissioned new research published earlier this year, which demonstrated that, by investing an additional 1% of GDP in public healthcare spending, where at least 40% of this is aimed at preventing and treating NCDs, close to five million lives could be saved each year in low- and middle-income countries.
In our recent call to action, we call on governments to focus on driving progress by (1) enabling innovation to reach patients via health innovation ecosystems; (2) mobilizing investment to prevent, manage, and treat NCDs as part of universal health coverage (UHC), reducing current high level of out of pocket expenditures; (3) driving implementation and breaking down healthcare silos to enable integrated health care services; and (4) ensuring accountability by measuring progress and striving for high standards of care.
If we collectively deliver in those four areas, we can be confident that we will bend the curve on NCDs, help people stay healthier for longer, improve and save the lives of millions more patients, and long-term value to societies, health systems, and economies. We must take the opportunity of the HLM and act now to invest in future health and resilience and address this global challenge together.
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
