Novartis Access

What are the health needs and challenges?

Approximately 31 million people die each year from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low– and middle–income countries, representing 80% of deaths from NCDs globally.

Partnership activities and how they address needs and challenges

The Novartis Access program makes available a portfolio of 15 critical chronic disease medicines to treat type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer. These medicines are offered as a basket to governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other public-sector healthcare providers for USD 1 per treatment, per month. The aim is to make this innovative approach commercially sustainable over time, enabling continuous support in those regions.

Beyond the portfolio, we work with partners on the ground to offer capacity-building activities to support healthcare systems in preventing, diagnosing and treating chronic diseases.

We partner with organizations in four areas: community awareness and linkages to care, healthcare system strengthening, distribution and supply chain integrity, and advocacy and policy. These collaborations support the healthcare system through measures such as reinforcing drug distribution channels and training healthcare workers to diagnose and treat chronic illnesses. Novartis is also collaborating with Boston University in the US to evaluate the impact of Novartis Access in Kenya and steer ongoing development of Novartis Access.