WHO Foundation Partners with Lilly to Advance Global Dementia Initiatives
Enhancing Global Dementia Care: WHO Foundation and Lilly Join Forces
In a significant advancement for global health, the WHO Foundation and Lilly have come together to financially support the World Health Organization's ambitious Global Action Plan on dementia. Dementia represents a pressing public health challenge, being the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, which critically affects the lives of older adults by contributing to a substantial amount of disability and dependency.
Alzheimer's disease stands out as the most prevalent form of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of all cases. This collaboration aims to bolster efforts on various fronts, including dementia risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, and caregiving. As recognized during the recent fourth high-level UN meeting addressing noncommunicable diseases and mental health, dementia has emerged as a priority for public health, with calls for improved access to services for millions impacted globally.
According to WHO stats from 2021, around 57 million people live with dementia, and more than 60% of these individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for solutions to be established and implemented effectively. Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, emphasized, “Many people are enduring the challenges of dementia without proper diagnosis or quality care, impacting not just them but also their caregivers.”
The partnership symbolizes a commitment to bridging the existing gaps in care and support. Lilly, a pioneering company in the pharmacological space, has been actively working towards innovations in Alzheimer's diagnostics and treatments for over 35 years. Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president of Lilly International, noted that “The current healthcare systems are not equipped to handle the innovative solutions that we are developing.” The focus is not on just treatment but on early and accurate diagnosis, which is crucial as pathological changes related to Alzheimer’s can begin years before symptoms manifest.
Supporting Innovations and Early Detection
Lilly's collaboration with the WHO Foundation is designed to enhance the capacity of healthcare systems to deliver timely care solutions for dementia patients. Early diagnosis empowers patients and caregivers to make informed choices, resulting in better management of the disease. The initiative aims to ensure that all affected individuals have the resources they need, paving the way for a more robust support system for those living with dementia.
The WHO Foundation: A Beacon for Health Equity
Established in 2020, the WHO Foundation operates independently with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Its primary mission is to support the WHO in mobilizing philanthropic resources, thereby advancing health equity and addressing urgent health challenges. The collaboration with Lilly reflects a strategic alignment of resources aimed at delivering viable long-term solutions, and improving health systems that save lives.
By connecting donors with actionable health initiatives, the Foundation is committed to facilitating trusted solutions that resonate on a global scale. This means not just providing temporary responses to health crises but also driving sustainable improvements towards a more equitable healthcare landscape, aligning firmly with the motto of “Health for All.”
Lilly: Innovating for health
For nearly 150 years, Lilly has been dedicated to transforming scientific research into meaningful health solutions that enhance lives worldwide. Through advancements in biotechnology, genetic medicine, and chemistry, Lilly continues to address some of the most pressing health issues, including diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and various debilitating conditions. The mission remains clear: to make life better for millions through accessible and affordable healthcare solutions.
This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in addressing complex health conditions such as dementia, reflecting a collective approach to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals globally. The WHO Foundation and Lilly’s partnership underscores the importance of shared endeavors in the fight against one of the most significant health challenges of our time, setting the stage for impactful change to improve global dementia care.
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