One of the key aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is universal health coverage.
Strong emphasis has been placed on finding ways to work across government, society and business, recognising that achieving the SDGs will be no small feat. Take, for instance, the challenges of many African patients, who still lack access to the most fundamental healthcare services.
They are still afflicted by infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and leprosy, which continue to place a high burden on the population.
Additionally, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased remarkably: more and more people are suffering from NCDs, often known as chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes.
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This trend is set to continue as NCDs are forecasted to increase by 27 per cent over the next 10 years. If we are serious about reaching the SDGs, it is time to act.
There are a number of reasons why NCDs have become more prevalent. Many of them are attributable to unhealthy habits such as poor diet, smoking, harmful use of alcohol and physical inactivity.
These changes in lifestyle are the result of a growing middle class in many of these countries. There are also many underlying issues. Screenings, doctors and healthcare workers are often in short supply. In Europe, there are 35 doctors per 10,000 people, compared to only two per 10,000 in sub-Saharan Africa.
Financing is also a problem, as many patients pay for their care out of their own pockets. Finally, lack of awareness plays an important role.
Therefore, we need comprehensive solutions to tackle NCDs. For example, we need to ensure that patients are diagnosed early on by a qualified healthcare professional, that they are prescribed appropriate and high quality medication, that this medication is available and affordable, and that patients adhere to the treatment procedures.
Furthermore, the long term treatment pathway should be complemented by prevention and awareness campaigns that help people understand risk factors and take preventative measures.
Tackling all of these issues requires e orts from governments, NGOs, and healthcare companies. A partnership approach is the best way forward, with a coalition of the willing joining forces to make a lasting impact.
While it is the governments’ responsibility to provide the basic infrastructure, healthcare companies can contribute their expertise in developing and marketing medical treatments, and NGOs can contribute their understanding of the local setting and their co-workers in the field.
To be successful, partnerships need to take a long-term perspective and be embedded in the local setting to gain acceptance. I am confident that such collaborative approaches will help make a difference.
With this in mind, I will be hosting a discussion on ‘Innovative partnerships for chronic diseases’ on 9 November, together with my MEP colleague Lieve Wierinck. and in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross and Novartis Access The objective is to discuss how the private sector can partner with governments and civil society to tackle chronic diseases in developing countries.
I look forward to discussing how each of us can contribute to improving the lives of patients and making healthcare systems more resilient. Such collaboration is how the SDGs will be met; now it is up to every one of us to make it happen.
Register to attend the Innovative partnerships for chronic diseases Breakfast debate