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“ We work with large institutions and governments to make sure that we truly live our responsibility beyond just the commercial access of commodities and medicine ”
— Harald Nusser , Head of Novartis Social Business
Following the success of its community-led malaria initiative in India over a decade ago , which has since spread to Vietnam and Kenya , Novartis has launched its more recent programme , Novartis Access , to address noncommunicable diseases ( NCDs ) for those in low and low-middle income countries . The initiative has also been developed to also look at the company ’ s NGO supply capabilities , as it continues to sell essential medicines to international institutions , such as WHO , The United Nations Children ’ s Fund and more .
“ Our role in going beyond what is usually expected from a pharma company is saying we need to at least spot opportunities where and how the private sector can engage - what should need to be done and how this could be done going forward ,” states Dr Nusser .
Through its aim to improve access to medicine on a global scale , the company has identified three main areas of non-commercial engagement through the initiative . Whilst monetary evaluation , supply chain strengthening and the integrity of distribution chains all
DECEMBER 2018