Improving Access to Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases in the Developing World

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Policy
• Pharmaceutical Access

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant and increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality.
• Developing countries face a dual burden, managing both infectious diseases and a rising tide of NCDs with limited healthcare resources.
• The United Nations convened a high-level meeting in 2011 to address the global impact of NCDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To initiate the development of a policy research agenda focused on enhancing access to NCD medicines in developing countries.
• To identify key obstacles and propose actionable strategies for improving NCD medicine accessibility.
• To guide the research-based pharmaceutical industry's role in combating NCDs through targeted policy research.

Main Methods:

• Developing a framework to analyze barriers to NCD medicine access.
• Reviewing specific challenges faced in developing countries.
• Identifying and evaluating promising interventions and research areas.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive framework for understanding access obstacles to NCD medicines.
• Identification of critical issues within the developing world context.
• A set of promising ideas and focus areas for improving NCD medicine access.

Conclusions:

• A policy research agenda is crucial for improving NCD medicine access in developing countries.
• The research-based pharmaceutical industry has a vital role to play in collaboration with other stakeholders.
• Targeted research and policy development are essential to combat the growing NCD epidemic globally.