The NCD Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries to explore how to address multiple chronic conditions and promote the engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

NCDA is pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership with Teva to foster dialogue around the specific challenges raised by multiple chronic conditions (MCC) in the context of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

NCDs are collectively responsible for almost 70% of deaths worldwide and this burden falls disproportionally in low- and middle-income countries. The primary focus of the NCD response has been articulated around four major NCDs – cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes – but it is now clear that chronic conditions occur together more frequently in clusters.

While it is well known that multimorbidity is common and on the rise, the exact extent of the issue and the rate at which it is increasing is not well understood. The report “Multiple Chronic Conditions THE GLOBAL STATE” commissioned by Teva shows that globally, one in three adults has multiple chronic conditions. The impact of MCC on healthcare costs and resources also show high cost burden globally, a burden that is expected to only grow with aging populations and the onset of risk factors at younger ages.

The causes of multimorbidity are poorly understood and strategies for its prevention are lacking. This phenomenon makes it difficult to predict which patients may be most in need of preventive steps or increased care.

Tackling multimorbidity will therefore be essential to reach the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, and to progress towards the WHO framework on ‘integrated people-centred’ health services.

“For too long, we have neglected the reality that most people living with NCDs typically have others and health services, are not designed to care for people with multiple illnesses. If we don’t act now this will overwhelm our future healthcare systems. We are looking forward to this partnership that will place the interest of people living with NCDs at the centre of health systems” said NCDA's CEO Katie Dain.

Amalia Adler-Waxman, Vice President, Social Impact and Responsibility at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries added, “Teva recognizes the tremendous opportunity to deliver long lasting social impact in addressing the challenges for a holistic healthcare approach. We are committed to advocate for action to address NCDs and MCC and look forward to support the development of relevant resources, dialogue and engagement with key national stakeholder by joining forces with NCD Alliance”.

About the NCD Alliance

The NCD Alliance is a unique civil society network, dedicated to improving NCD prevention and control worldwide. Today, our network includes NCDA members, national and regional NCD alliances, over 1,000 member associations of our founding federations, scientific and professional associations and academic and research institutions. NCD Alliance is widely recognised as a convenor of the NCD civil society community, providing thought leadership on global policy, setting priorities for the global NCD response, and mobilising civil society.

About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Building on our strong global footprint, size and scale, Teva is reaffirming its commitment to place people at the center of our strategy, and enable as many as possible to live better, healthier days. We do this by developing, producing and marketing affordable, high quality generic drugs as well as innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients.