#Switzerland #Geneva #Eli Lilly #Obesity Care #WHO Foundation

WHO Foundation and Eli Lilly Unite to Tackle Obesity

The WHO Foundation has officially announced a significant partnership with Eli Lilly and Company aimed at improving health systems globally to combat obesity. This initiative comes in response to the escalating obesity crisis, recognized as a major public health challenge worldwide. According to recent statistics, more than 2.5 billion adults and over 390 million children and adolescents were classified as overweight in 2022, with obesity levels doubling among adults since 1990.

Lilly's commitment includes a financial pledge of $1.68 million to the WHO Foundation, extending until 2029. This funding supports the Foundation's efforts in enhancing health systems to provide better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for obesity. The collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the necessity to prioritize obesity within public health agendas globally, tailored to meet the needs of various resource-limited settings.

As Anil Soni, the CEO of the WHO Foundation, highlighted, "Tackling obesity on a global scale requires more than isolated programs; it demands robust health systems capable of responding effectively throughout an individual's life. This partnership focuses on identifying gaps in health services and implementing the necessary structures to assist countries in adopting data-driven policies and developing training standards to equip healthcare personnel well."

Eli Lilly’s Executive Vice President, Patrik Jonsson, reinforced the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Individuals suffering from obesity deserve access to the care they need to overcome this disease and avert related complications. By supporting health systems in recognizing and addressing obesity, we aim to slow down the global proliferation of this condition."

The roots of the obesity epidemic are complex, influenced by socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and dietary habits. The WHO Foundation acknowledges that there is an urgent need for equitable access to early diagnosis and comprehensive care. This partnership seeks to alleviate the substantial economic burden of obesity, projected to exceed $4 trillion by 2035.

Lilly's support is designed to bolster primary care systems and establish preventive measures in communities where resources are stretched thin. The foundation's work also includes promoting stigma-free environments where individuals can receive adequate care without discrimination.

About the WHO Foundation

The WHO Foundation, created in 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, operates as an independent organization dedicated to furthering the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO). It mobilizes philanthropic funding and establishes catalytic partnerships to advance health equity, address urgent health challenges, and strengthen life-saving systems. By connecting partners with practitioners, the Foundation contributes to developing reliable health solutions, financing life-saving responses, and fostering sustainable health improvements for all.

For more information, visit www.who.foundation.

Key Facts

• - Global Statistics on Obesity: By 2022, one in eight people worldwide was living with obesity.
• - Trends in Obesity: Global obesity rates among adults have more than doubled since 1990, with adolescent obesity quadrupling.
• - Current Figures: In 2022, approximately 890 million adults were living with obesity, with a significant percentage of this demographic over the age of 18.

As the plight of obesity continues to grow, the imperative for global health systems to adapt and innovate becomes ever clearer. Initiatives like this collaborative effort between the WHO Foundation and Eli Lilly represent a crucial step toward achieving a healthier future for all, regardless of age or circumstance.