OREANDA-NEWS. Today, Novartis announced the launch of Novartis Access in Kenya, the first country to benefit from a portfolio of 15 affordable medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer. The Novartis portfolio is being offered to the Kenyan government, non-governmental organizations and other public-sector healthcare providers for USD 1 per treatment, per month.

"Novartis and Kenya have a relationship of more than 40 years, so I am delighted that Kenyan patients will be the first to benefit from Novartis Access," said Joerg Reinhardt, Chairman of the Board of Novartis. "The successful implementation of the program in Kenya will be essential to guide the expansion of Novartis Access to other countries in the future."

In conjunction with the launch of the access portfolio and to support effective treatment of chronic diseases in Kenya, Novartis will partner with the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the Kenyan Red Cross, the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and other key stakeholders. These collaborations are intended to support the healthcare system through measures such as reinforcing drug distribution channels and training healthcare workers to diagnose and treat chronic illnesses. Novartis is also collaborating with Boston University in the US to measure the impact on health in Kenya and steer ongoing development of Novartis Access.

"I am excited by the proactive steps being taken by our government and Novartis in the fight against cancer and other chronic diseases," said H.E. Margaret Kenyatta, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya. "Novartis Access complements the advocacy campaign I have been undertaking together with other African First Ladies to expand access to prevention and treatment for people with chronic diseases."

Some 28 million people die from chronic diseases in low- and middle-income countries each year, representing 75% of such deaths globally.[2] In Kenya, NCDs account for 27% of deaths, or almost 100,000 people per year.[3] By 2030, NCDs are expected to contribute to more than 60% of the total national mortality.[4] In July 2015, the Kenyan government launched a new strategy for the prevention, control and management of NCDs.

The Novartis Access portfolio includes patented and generic Novartis medicines. The products have been selected based on the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List and are among the most commonly prescribed medicines. Following Kenya, Novartis Access will be launched in Ethiopia and Vietnam. Over the coming years, Novartis plans to roll out Novartis Access to 30 countries, depending on demand.  Novartis expects this new approach to be commercially sustainable over the long term, enabling continuous support in those regions.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care and cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2014, the Group achieved net sales of USD 58.0 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 120,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.