#Switzerland #Novo Nordisk #Geneva #WHO Foundation #cardio-renal

Strengthening Global Health Systems for Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Diseases

In a significant move towards enhancing global health systems, the WHO Foundation has announced an expanded collaboration with Novo Nordisk. This partnership aims to address the burgeoning issues of cardio-renal-metabolic diseases that are affecting millions worldwide, with a focus on conditions such as obesity and diabetes. During a recent gathering, the two organizations reaffirmed their commitment to tackling these conditions, particularly within low- and middle-income countries where health systems often struggle to meet the growing demands.

A Financial Commitment to Health

Novo Nordisk has pledged a total of $7.9 million to this initiative, which includes an initial donation of $2.9 million in 2024, followed by an additional $5 million donated in December 2025. Anil Soni, the CEO of the WHO Foundation, emphasized that complex diseases like those in the cardio-renal-metabolic category require a solid foundation of prevention-first strategies supported by robust health systems. "By supporting WHO's leadership on prevention, we can underpin the science and public health foundations essential for effective and equitable responses," he said.

This collaboration emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including governments, community organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Elin Jäger, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Sustainability at Novo Nordisk, remarked, "Addressing obesity, diabetes, and related conditions requires widespread partnerships to enhance prevention, early detection, and ongoing care."

The Global Context of Obesity

The grim reality is that over 1 billion people globally currently suffer from obesity. Among these are 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children. Overweight and obesity-related conditions result in more deaths annually than being underweight, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. The statistics are startling:

• - 39 million children under the age of five are considered overweight or obese.
• - More than 340 million individuals aged 5 to 19 worldwide have obesity issues.
• - Since 1975, the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled, with rising numbers indicating a major public health crisis.

The Objectives of the Partnership

The funding from Novo Nordisk will enable the WHO Foundation to extend its reach and bolster WHO's broader efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases. This includes a focus on prevention strategies and early interventions that are vital for ensuring a strengthened primary health care structure. The collaboration aims to provide essential resources and tools for countries grappling with these public health challenges.

The two organizations recently held a launch event for their joint initiative aimed at addressing childhood obesity and promoting healthier environments in schools in India, showcasing a hands-on approach to effecting change at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

The WHO Foundation serves as an independent body established in 2020 with the mission of supporting the World Health Organization's goals, particularly in advancing health equity globally. By mobilizing philanthropic resources and fostering pivotal partnerships, the Foundation strives to respond to urgent health challenges, promote effective health solutions, and enact sustainable change.

As the partnership between the WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk expands, the commitment to combat the rising tide of cardio-renal-metabolic diseases reflects a collective desire to improve health outcomes and advance toward achieving global health for all. To learn more about these initiatives and ongoing efforts, visit the WHO Foundation.