Most noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be treated with essential medicines, yet millions of people with NCDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) cannot access these drugs and devices. Poor domestic funding, lack of resources, inadequate selection mechanisms, inaccurate demand forecasting, and inefficient procurement and distribution continue to force patients to pay 2-3 times more for medicines purchased from different sources and put at risk the quality of products in the market. How to unblock the bottlenecks? This NCD Hard Talk unveils global and national efforts needed to shape NCD medicines markets and improve equitable access for all. Experts unpack the latest on ‘how to’ drive rational selection and assured quality of medicines, devices and diagnostics and ensure affordable pricing by partnering with different sectors and stakeholders. Speakers from WHO, industry associations and partners explore key lessons on building sustainable and reliable supply chains and procurement mechanisms to deliver NCD medicines to all.
Speakers:
Dr Ren Minghui, Assistant Director General, UHC/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO HQ
Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director, WHO NCD Department
Dr Temo Waqanivalu, Unit head, WHO NCD Integrated Service Delivery
Dr Mariângela Batista Galvão Simão, Assistant Director General MHP, WHO HQ
Ms Khadija Jamaloodien, Director of the Affordable Medicines Directorate at the National Department of Health, South Africa
Dr Sayed Zubair Sadat, ARCS Health Program Clinics Manager and Hospital Focal Point, Afghanistan
Rosa Buitrago, Dean and Professor, School of Pharmacy, Universidad de Panamá
Trevor Gunn, Vice President International Relations, Medtronic
Action Amos, Vice President Africa for International Bureau of Epilepsy, Patient, epilepsy treatment, Malawi
Moderated by: Jamie Guerra, External Relations, WHO