Current efforts
The Foundation's ongoing programs range from psychosocial support for AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa and helping to develop a community-based health insurance program in Mali, to developing new training technologies for health personnel in the area of Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses.
Fighting leprosy
Since 2000, Novartis has provided free treatment for all leprosy patients worldwide in a pioneering collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Four and a half million people with leprosy have been treated through the use of effective multi-drug therapy (MDT) supplied by Novartis. In addition to providing free drugs, the Foundation has also improved access to treatment by helping to change the traditional stigma surrounding leprosy, integrate effective diagnosis into public health services and sponsor comprehensive rehabilitation programs in both India and Sri Lanka.
“Now, more than ever, a coordinated effort, political will and effective drugs are needed to successfully go the last mile in eradicating leprosy.”
Professor Klaus Leisinger, President and CEO, Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development
Visit the World Health Organization website
Psychosocial support for AIDS orphans
As a consequence of the epidemic of HIV/AIDS sweeping sub-Saharan Africa, more than 6.5 million children have lost their father, mother or both parents. The number of orphaned children is expected to rise steadily, reaching 16 million by the year 2010.
Humuliza, a pilot project for AIDS orphans which the Novartis Foundation has helped to develop in northwest Tanzania, provides a lifeline for more than 2 000 youths. The program seeks to empower children through education as well as training in agriculture and other types of employment.
As a result of the successful pilot phase, the project is being scaled up across southern Africa.
The Novartis Foundation and two other donors - the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) - are sponsoring REPSSI, the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative for Children Affected by AIDS, Poverty and Conflict. They will roll out the Humuliza model in South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi and Namibia, as well as Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
REPSSI is also consulting with international organizations and governments of the region about broader introduction of psychosocial support programs. For more information on this initiative, read our case study.
Learn more on the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative for Children Affected by AIDS (REPSSI)
Community-based health insurance
A pilot program involving 72 remote villages in Mali has shown that health insurance for the rural poor can work.
Launched by the rural commune of Cinzana in 2003, the insurance program seemed a risky initiative. Previous insurance schemes in the region had collapsed, leaving villagers who had paid premiums without care when they needed it most.
Over the past three years, however, more than 1 600 members have joined the Cinzana insurance program - roughly 12% of all residents in the area.
The annual premium - less than USD 3 - covers 60% of the cost of basic healthcare at a local clinic, and 75% of the costs at a regional health facility. The program is also stepping up preventive initiatives, distributing insecticide-treated bednets and promoting hygiene and nutrition.
Cinzana's program has become the biggest single health insurer in Ségou, a region of Mali with two million residents. Since 2007, the foundation, in collaboration with health authorities and communities, started to expand its activities to 10 other health zones in the region of Ségou. Potentially, 165 000 people can be reached.
A dialog for change
To strengthen the development policy dialog between the private sector, NGOs, research institutions and state bodies, the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development organizes an international symposium every year. Well-known scientists and experts from around the world are invited to this one-day, public event to examine and discuss a topical development policy issue from various angles.
The foundation promotes development policy dialog by taking part in conferences, symposia and workshops as well as through partnership with various councils, networks, technical committees and informal dialog groups. It is in close collaboration with the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Development Program, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and a great variety of experts and NGOs.
Learn more about the international symposium
Learn more on the UN Development Program
Learn more on the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Tackling poverty
Poverty and health problems are global and more complex than ever. More aid can be leveraged to help poor countries.
Find out how
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