New Findings Offer Systemic Solutions to Address Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Low- and Middle-income Countries

• The Johns Hopkins University report identifies systemic gaps in NCD research, policy and practice
• Offering pragmatic actions and sustainable solutions, experts cite multisectoral cooperation as vital
• Independent research project stems from IFPMA Framework for Action on NCDs, focusing on innovation, access and affordability, prevention and health education, and partnerships

GENEVA, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Today the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health and the Study of Business Enterprise released a focused set of policy briefs that provide actionable recommendations for improving NCD policy, research and, ultimately, care. The study was commissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA).

The four main NCD categories - cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes - kill three in five people worldwide. Nearly 80% of NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

As part of momentum from the 2011 United Nations High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs, a working group of leading scholars^[1] produced this collection of briefs: Addressing the Gaps in Global Policy and Research for Non-Communicable Diseases. Their findings provide decision-makers with five key areas for action: 1) strengthening supply chains, 2) accelerating regulatory convergence, 3) applying HIV/AIDS learnings to improve access to interventions, 4) restructuring primary care, and 5) promoting multisectoral action.

"We harnessed the direction given by UN Member States in the NCD Political Declaration as a springboard for action," said Sir George Alleyne, former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and co-author of one of the briefs. "Based on this direction, our work paves a way forward to achieve better health outcomes through multisectoral and intersectoralcooperation."

Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General, said, "The research-based pharmaceutical industry commissioned these briefs to generate ideas which we hope will contribute to WHO discussions and provide a path forward where our industry is best prepared to play its part with other stakeholders."

The Johns Hopkins policy briefs can be accessed (http://www.ifpma.org/resources/publications.html).

About IFPMA

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1. Authors include:  Brian White-Guay, Lisa Smith, PrashantYadav, SoerenMattke, Margaret Kruk, Felicia Knaul, Gustavo Nigenda, Sir George Alleyne, and SaniaNishtar. Jeffrey L.Sturchio and Louis Galambos served as editors.

IFPMA represents research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. The research-based pharmaceutical industry's 1.3 million employees research, develop and provide medicines and vaccines that improve the life of patients worldwide. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community find solutions that improve global health.

SOURCE: International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations

Peter Shelby, IFPMA, Tel [phone], [email protected]