19 June 2018
The role for pharma companies in addressing global public health challenges
Collaboration across public, private and civil society is essential if SDG goals on AIDS, TB and malaria are to be met.
Collaboration across public, private and civil society is essential if SDG goals on AIDS, TB and malaria are to be met.
Big successes exist in global public health — for example in HIV — but Sustainable Development Goal targets to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030 will not be met at the current pace. Resistance is rising for malaria, TB and HIV, with more than 10% resistance reported in 6 of 11 surveyed countries among 19.5 million people on antiretrovirals.
Innovative treatment is only part of the solution. Infrastructure, specialised providers and diagnostic capacity gaps remain significant barriers. Universal health coverage momentum is promising, yet infrastructure can block access even when drugs are affordable or free — especially in oncology, which requires imaging, laboratories and oncologists.
Collaboration across public, private and civil society is essential. WHO and UN roles remain central; stronger cross-sector partnerships and World Economic Forum initiatives point toward more coordinated action.
Authors (source attribution on original site): Jaak Peeters (Head Global Public Health – Johnson & Johnson) and Kenneth Bonheure (Senior Partner – McKinsey’s Antwerp office).