New York, 27 September 2018 – As an official UN interlocutor that shares knowledge and expertise to improve global health, IFPMA welcomes the strong re-affirmation of the commitment of governments to take steps to reduce premature mortality from chronic diseases by 2030 and strongly supports the declaration’s emphasis on orienting health systems towards the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC).
Although progress has been achieved by some countries in the implementation of the commitments made in 2011 and 2014, the signatories of the political declaration recognize that the level of progress and investment to date is insufficient to meet target 3.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IFPMA, the body representing the research-based biopharmaceutical industry, said in a statement addressed to the General Assembly that it agrees with the findings that the current level of investment is insufficient to meet the laudable but ambitious SDGs of reducing by a third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2030 despite progress made.
The signatories also call for establishing and strengthening multi-stakeholder dialogue and multi-sectoral collaboration. IFPMA welcomes this call and declares in its statement “Given the scale of the global health challenge that NCDs pose, there is an urgent need to work together more decisively. Our industry stands ready to play its part”.
Since the 1st High-Level Meeting on NCDs in 2011, the research-based biopharmaceutical industry has made it a priority to be fully involved in the fight against chronic diseases. Thomas Cueni, Director General of IFPMA, explained that the industry is willing to collaborate with all key stakeholders to contribute to achieving target 3.4 of the SDGs: “Back in 2011, we clearly stated our intent to be part of the solution and launched the Framework for Action for the Prevention and Control of NCDs. We have followed this up with concrete action”.
One new bold initiative, among many, is the multi-company, multi-stakeholder and multi-country NCD collaboration called Access Accelerated. This uniquely involves 24 research-based biopharmaceutical companies partnering to drive cross-sectoral dialogue and implementation of NCD action plans such as the strengthening of health systems with the World Bank and a strategic partnership with UICC in the CCan2025 initiative.
IFPMA continues to advocate for sustainable financing as a critical element of attaining UHC. Cueni adds: “We believe that strategies for financing healthcare systems to address the challenges of NCDs remain an essential area where extra efforts by Member States and the international community are still required”.
As NCDs are sweeping the entire globe, addressing health system failures is becoming ever more apparent, and it will be essential to tap into the private sector experience. The research-based biopharmaceutical industry fosters innovation across the continuum of medical education, prevention, treatment and care, and brings extensive knowledge, expertise, and resources to develop innovative solutions. “We can accelerate progress by pooling resources, and working with partners to support health systems with the management of life-long conditions. Our industry is committed for the long-haul to help ensure our life-changing therapies reach the remaining millions of people suffering from NCDs” adds Cueni.