Nearly a million people under the age of 20 die each year from non-communicable diseases (NCD) – accounting for 15% of the overall mortality for this age group[1]. Tragically, these diseases are often treatable, such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, or asthma.

By addressing risk factors, strengthening health systems, and enhancing the ability of healthcare workers to care for patients, much loss of life can be avoided.

Lilly has committed $14.4 million to supporting UNICEF until 2025 to improve health outcomes for 10 million young people living with chronic, non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. The countries were selected based on the diversity of geography and the potential to strengthen country-level health systems and models that provide care and support for children and adolescents with chronic conditions.

“No child should die from a treatable disease because of inadequate care or treatment. Non-communicable diseases undermine a child’s right to health, nutrition, education and play,” said Karin Hulshof, Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF. “We are grateful to Lilly for this collaboration to help strengthen health care systems children rely on and ensure health care workers are well-equipped and confident in providing care and treatment to children living with chronic conditions.”

“UNICEF’s relentless work to reach disadvantaged children, combined with Lilly’s experience and deep commitment to bettering people’s lives and society, serve as the foundation of this collaborative effort,” said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Lilly. “This critical, lifesaving work by UNICEF is aligned to the Lilly 30x30 initiative to provide improved access to quality health care for 30 million people in resource-limited settings, annually, by 2030.”

This four-year commitment also reflects the respective efforts of Lilly and UNICEF to work towards the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals[2] (SDGs), specifically SDG 3, “to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages.” Lilly looks forward to following the results of the collaboration with UNICEF as we continue our critical life-saving work together.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

[1] Global Disease Burden Study

[2] UN 2030 SDGs