Novartis has announced plans to expand its community health programmes to more than 30 countries by 2030, with a focus on improving access to heart disease and cancer care in underserved communities.
Novartis broadens community health strategy
The expansion covers three programmes focused on community-based care, earlier intervention and data-driven population health. Novartis said the models are designed to improve access for low-income, rural and other under-reached populations.
The programmes currently operate in 11 countries and are expected to expand across more than 30 by 2030, including five cities in the United States.
US cancer care initiative launches in five cities
As part of the expansion, Novartis is launching its Inclusive Health Accelerators in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston and Baltimore. The programme is intended to improve access to breast and prostate cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis and follow-up care through local partnerships.
The company said the initiative is designed to address gaps in access to care among communities that are often underserved by existing health systems.
Emerging market programmes target earlier diagnosis
Novartis also plans to expand its Community Health Initiatives, which are focused on speeding up diagnosis and treatment for heart disease and cancer in low- and middle-income countries. The programmes are already active in Vietnam, Rwanda and Bolivia, with further expansion planned by 2030.
According to the company, the model builds on previous work in rural Vietnam, where blood pressure control rates improved and more patients began treatment closer to their communities.
Data-driven city model aims to improve heart health
CARDIO4Cities, developed by the Novartis Foundation, is designed to help cities improve prevention, detection and management of cardiometabolic disease through real-time data, artificial intelligence and local partnerships.
The programme is currently active in eight countries and is planned to expand across cities in 23 countries by 2030. Novartis said the model has shown improved hypertension control in pilot settings.
Further information is available on the Novartis website. Related coverage can be found in the Policy, Ethics & Regulation section.
