Equitable Access for Better Health

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 75% of global deaths. Obesity and diabetes are especially significant, both as direct causes and as risk factors for further health issues. Recent projections show that by 2030, an estimated one billion people will be living with obesity and nearly a third of children and adolescents worldwide will be overweight or obese.

Despite the urgent and growing burden of NCDs, access to essential treatment for conditions like diabetes and obesity remains uneven and often inadequate. Many, particularly in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), face considerable barriers to healthcare and medicines. By 2030, WHO estimates fewer than 10% of eligible people will be able to access GLP-1 therapies for diabetes and obesity, and an estimated 60 million people needing insulin will lack access. These dis-parities are exacerbated by decreasing foreign aid and reduced financial support for health programms in LMICs, as well as by constrained national healthcare budgets. The increasing burden of NCDs and chronic care further strains these budgets, requiring the allocation of a growing proportion of available re-sources. Closing these gaps will increasingly rely on innovative, sustainable partnerships and financing to mobilise resources from governments, the private sector, and civil society, ensuring care reaches those most in need.

This panel will share practical solutions and lessons to improve access to NCD care, focusing on multi-sectoral partnerships, integration into universal health coverage (UHC), and scalable interventions. Through real-world examples and evidence-based strategies, panelists aim to offer actionable insights to advance equitable, affordable, and holistic NCD care globally.