A Historic Moment for NCDs at the 75th World Health Assembly

Last month’s World Health Assembly proved to be a major momentum-building opportunity for both the non-communicable diseases (NCD) community and for the Helmsley Charitable Trust.?

WHO Member States approved a record number of recommendations related to NCDs, including a new implementation roadmap and action plan to accelerate progress toward NCD-related targets in the Sustainable Development Goals. Delegates also agreed, for the first time ever, on the creation of global coverage targets for diabetes. These targets will be critical for tracking progress in efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to equitable, affordable and quality treatment and care.

I was proud to represent Helmsley throughout the week in Geneva, meeting with many of our grantees, exploring new partnerships, and strengthening existing commitments. It was a pleasure to be reunited with friends across the global T1D community after years apart.?

Together with our colleagues at the NCDI Poverty Network, we hosted an evening reception focused on decentralizing care for severe NCDs through the PEN-Plus model. The event brought together WHO leaders, Ministries of Health and others involved in the implementation and scale-up of PEN-Plus. The event offered a chance to reflect on recent successes and discuss the important work of expanding access to care.?

I was also thrilled to speak about the exciting and impactful projects being supported through Helmsley’s T1D Program at a panel discussion co-hosted with our partners at PATH. The conversation explored innovative approaches to improve access to affordable NCD medicines and products, including the need for stronger coalitions by all manner of partners that can enable collective action.

I left this year’s World Health Assembly incredibly energized by the tremendous attention on and support for NCDs. However, roadmaps, action plans and recommendations will only make a difference when they are implemented. The words I heard all week must be translated to action if we are to make concrete change.

Let us continue this momentum to ensure that people living with NCDs everywhere have access to the treatments and services they need. Onward.