Catalyzing Global Impact on NCDs Starts at the Local Level – with Patients
When facing a global health crisis like noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – which cause 71% of deaths annually[1] – it’s natural to focus on global solutions that address this prevalence. Yet, looking more closely at the burden of NCDs reveals that we must also elevate a local focus if we are to meet global targets; there is considerable variability in patients’ experiences by country and in countries’ readiness to combat NCDs.
Patients around the world have unique disease experiences and care journeys, shaped by their countries’ healthcare and policy landscapes, among other factors. By balancing scientific and programmatic approaches, we can address this considerable variability that exists in the burden of NCDs for patients across nations and develop tailored intervention strategies.[2]
Data can help us understand local complexities and inform tailored interventions
This week, my colleague, @Dr. Shekhar Potkar, and I expanded on this position in a STAT Editorial, in which we encourage global NCD stakeholders to take advantage of the data available to us to act: to understand countries’ specific NCD burdens and their preparedness to combat NCDs, and to help countries develop appropriate national policy frameworks. Pfizer Upjohn developed a scientifically rigorous methodological approach – the Strategic segmentation for NCD country Action Plans, known affectionately as "SNAP" – that segments countries based on key variables affecting their development of NCD action plans. SNAP uses evidence from credible external sources, including the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study,[3] WHO country profiles,[4] and World Bank statistics,[5] as well as validation by local data. By segmenting low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) into archetypes by relevant variables, we are able to generate insights that can be turned into action for patients. For example, in Malaysia only about 37% of patients treated for hypertension have controlled their blood pressure. [6] Armed with this insight, inter-sectoral stakeholders in Malaysia can focus on training primary care physicians to manage hypertension and on increasing awareness of best practices.
Inter-sectoral perspectives on the patient journey help inform optimal solutions
We will only succeed in addressing patient-specific challenges in NCD prevention and management if we partner with stakeholders on the frontlines of policy development and patient care in each country. For example, to help stimulate sustainable changes in the management of NCDs across emerging markets – which boast 85% of premature NCD deaths1 – Upjohn recently hosted the first-of-its kind Partnerships for Change Summit.
The Summit convened 14 expert leaders from partner organizations across ASEAN, LatAm and AfME countries, representing medical and professional societies, academic institutions, patient organizations and the private sector. Summit participants brought their own strengths and experiences to the table to address targeted solutions under three themes: policy; practice and patient outcomes; and country-specific solutions. We move into this new decade with more momentum – and more urgency – than ever to address the burden of NCDs; we have 10 years left to meet the WHO’s 2030 target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third [1]. To reach this goal, we need inter-sectoral collaboration to generate insights about the complex factors that shape patient experiences by country and to mobilize country action plans using data-driven solutions.
Let’s work together and make it happen.
[1] World Health Organization. Noncommunicable Diseases. 2018. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases (accessed January 8, 2020).
[2] Global Health Council NCD Roundtable. Building MultiStakeholder Partnerships for NCDs: Ideas, Steps and Actions. 2010. Available at http://globalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/ghc_Multi-stakeholder-engagement-for-NCDs_final.pdf (accessed January 8, 2020).
[3]Global Burden of Disease. Lancet. Available at https://www.thelancet.com/gbd (accessed July 10, 2019).
[4] World Health Organization. Noncommunicable Diseases Country Profiles 2018. 2018. Available at https://www.who.int/nmh/publications/ncd-profiles-2018/en/ (accessed January 8, 2020).
[5] The World Bank. World Bank Country and Lending Groups. 2019. Available at https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519 (accessed January 8, 2020).
[6] Ministry of Health Government of Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guideline on Management of Hypertension. 5th Edition. Kuala Lumpur 2018. Available at http://www.acadmed.org.my/view_file.cfm?fileid=894 (accessed July 10, 2019).
Market Access Consultant | Ex-Palladium | Ex-Roche | Ex-GiZ | Ex-Humanity & Inclusion
5yThanks for the SNAP link and I just would like to highlight that of the top 20 countries, 8 are ASEAN including my country which is the Philippines. I was to ask you a very specific question about the applicability of the SNAP framework in a country with a defined NCD action plan (like in the Philippines) and moving forward, based on the axes, what interventions are to be sought. So, I checked where the Philippines is located in the grid and it is in Focus quadrant which basically suggests: addressing practice gaps with a focus on policy inplementation. How very accurate! I give my validation to SNAP for accuracy.
Global Regulatory Strategy CMC @ Pfizer | Small molecules & drug-linkers | Experience spans development lifecycle first-in-human through post-approval. Passionate about bridging science, strategy, & patient access.
5yThank you for sharing @Amrit Ray, M.D. what meaningful and important work!
President, Hill Scientific and Public Affairs, LLC; Secretariat, INTREPID Alliance; Senior Advisor, Reservoir Communications Group
5yAmrit, This is a brilliant strategy to help patients with chronic disease through the world.
MBBS, D.P.M, MPH, FIPS | Global Medical Affairs, Clinical development | Innovation & Leadership
5yGreat initiative and article! Kudos!