New Coalition Launched to Tackle Health Financing for NCDs

New Technical Partnership to Address Health Financing

Today, a significant step has been taken to enhance health financing for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through a new collaboration between Access Accelerated and the World Bank. This technical partnership focuses on building a coalition of both global and local organizations to address the urgent healthcare funding shortfalls for NCDs in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative, which is designed to tackle critical health issues, will prioritize sustainable financing solutions to improve health outcomes globally.

The Growing Crisis of NCDs

NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 41 million deaths each year worldwide, with projections indicating this could rise to 52 million by 2030. The increasing burden of these diseases not only threatens global health but also poses significant risks to economic growth, costing an estimated USD47 trillion due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Despite this glaring issue, government spending and available development assistance lag far behind what is needed to combat this crisis effectively.

Innovative Solutions through Regional NCD Financing Accelerators

The Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs aims to transform how governments and health systems respond to this challenge. By supporting local stakeholders and enhancing their capacity to address NCDs, this network seeks to strengthen health financing systems that promote universal health coverage and robust primary healthcare systems. These are essential targets aligned with the worldwide 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Response from Leadership

Herb Riband, Director at Access Accelerated, expressed that, "There has been a strong appeal from governments and local stakeholders for expertise and tailored solutions to reshape their health financing frameworks. It is our responsibility to assist countries in building both financial and technical capabilities to better manage NCDs and enhance overall health outcomes." This coalition is indicative of a broader commitment to tackle the NCD crisis head-on.

Creating Regional Collaborations

With regional NCD Financing Accelerators set to launch across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, this initiative promises to deliver localized expertise, technical support, and learning opportunities across countries. Additionally, it will provide seed funding for innovative programs targeting improvements in health financing and patient outcomes.

Collaborative Efforts with R4D

Gina Lagomarsino, President and CEO of Results for Development, noted, "We are eager to support this new partnership between Access Accelerated and the World Bank. Our aim is to leverage our expertise in health financing while fostering collaborative efforts with local agents across various settings, ensuring our initiatives are both locally relevant and impactful." This collaborative spirit is crucial for empowering health systems to respond effectively to the epidemiological shift toward NCDs.

First Accelerator to Launch in Sub-Saharan Africa

The inaugural Financing Accelerator will be hosted by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This region is seeing the highest rates of NCD incidence and mortality, yet, unfortunately, only a small percentage of government budgets are currently designated for health. This presents an urgent call for innovative financial strategies.

Dr. Rose Oronje from AFIDEP explained, "The mounting evidence regarding the impact of NCDs reveals that their influence extends beyond health; it permeates all areas of society. As the host of the first accelerator, we will employ evidence-based strategies to unite change agents in the region, facilitating local stakeholder engagement to develop collective solutions and shared learning experiences to counteract common health financing challenges."

Looking Ahead: Key Priorities for FAN

In the coming months, the Financing Accelerator Network will conduct a thorough analysis of the NCD financing landscape within Africa. This essential work will involve engaging various stakeholders to pinpoint fundamental challenges and opportunities. Insights gathered will help shape strategic responses and solutions that lead to tangible impacts across the continent.

About the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs

The Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN) is an innovative initiative developed from the partnership between Access Accelerated and the World Bank, in coordination with Results for Development. This coalition aims to improve sustainable financing for NCDs in low and middle-income countries, through regionally hosted NCD Financing Accelerators that offer technical support and cross-country learning opportunities. The upcoming Sub-Saharan Africa accelerator will be pivotal in supporting the goals of Accessibility and quality in health services for substantial populations by 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the new partnership?

The partnership aims to improve healthcare financing for noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries through collaborative regional efforts.

Why are NCDs a major concern globally?

NCDs account for around 41 million deaths annually, threatening both global health and economic stability. This concern is projected to escalate without increased investment in healthcare funding.

How will the Financing Accelerator Network support local governments?

The network will provide expertise, technical assistance, and funding to enhance local capacities to address NCDs and improve health financing systems.

Where will the first NCD Financing Accelerator be located?

The first accelerator will be established in Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing urgent health financing needs in a region facing significant NCD growth.

What makes this coalition different?

This coalition focuses on tailored, locally relevant solutions to strengthen health financing systems, ensuring that efforts are designed to meet specific regional needs and challenges.

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