Underlying our work at Access Accelerated is a commitment to supporting the goals set forth by the United Nations to promote global peace, prosperity, and progress. In particular, the target to reduce premature deaths from NCDs and to achieve Health for All by 2030. With less than seven years to go, this deadline is fast approaching. 

As a global health community, we have made headway in responding to the challenges posed by NCDs. Yet, as healthcare systems around the world grapple with a soaring disease burden in the face of myriad global crises, progress against these goals is too often undermined or inconsistent. Addressing the NCD burden amid such complexities requires strong, cross-sectoral collaboration. It is through such collaboration with our strategic partners that Access Accelerated has supported the enabling environment and structure needed to facilitate such alignment and coordinated action.

As we look to the future, we have a unique opportunity to build on the collective insights and lessons gained over the last six years. We have a chance to leverage the lessons gained to support countries to implement ever more sustainable and connected solutions – solutions that will prove capable of changing the landscape of NCDs and improving the lives of people living with such conditions in low- and middle-income countries around the world.

So, how is this new landscape to be realized? To begin with, we must adopt a more integrated approach to NCDs, capitalizing on stronger coordination, collective expertise and enhanced competencies of all relevant stakeholders. We also have a prime opportunity to develop a fit-for-purpose measurement and reporting framework for global health initiatives, enabling a deeper understanding of the value creation and impact of collective action. Governments, local stakeholders, and partners who work on the ground must also remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure that initiatives are more firmly embedded in national strategies and local communities. By embracing the lessons of embeddedness, connectivity, and community-centricity, we lay the groundwork for long-term success and sustainability.

Ultimately, achieving a vision of a future in which all those affected by NCDs have access to quality care– irrespective of who they are, where they live or how much they earn–requires deep cooperation based on a shared purpose, a common agenda, an openness to learn, and above all, trust. It is these qualities – the connective tissue - that of us should commit to fostering.

This report is a deep recognition of our partners’ commitment and contribution to our shared ambition towards a better future for all those affected by NCDs. We have come a long way and – as this report highlights – we have achieved and learned much. These lessons should embolden us, we must dare to innovate solutions that can deliver meaningful change. It will take all of us.

MARTIN BERNHARDT

Director, Access Accelerated