## [Global health](/esg/global-health "Global health") Addressing global health challenges ## Transforming health in lower-income populations At Novartis, we have a long-standing history in addressing global health challenges. Over the past 20 years, our approach has evolved from purely donation-based toward models with more sustainable social impact. Today, we apply our expertise and full organizational capability to address major, unresolved global health challenges. [Watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx-ZuQm1RI8 "Watch") ![Icon representing patient safety](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/patient-safety-icon.jpg.webp?itok=OIxUGQ8_ "Icon representing patient safety") ### Patient-first approach We prioritize the needs of patients, their families and communities, finding innovative ways to overcome barriers to sustainable healthcare delivery. ![Icon representing a microscope](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/miscoscope-icon.jpg.webp?itok=acqrDjNT "Icon representing a microscope") ### Disease-focused innovation We focus our scientific expertise to deliver medicines and healthcare solutions, targeting disease areas where we can transform lives. ![Icon representing pills](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/pills-icon.jpg.webp?itok=nx9k80WW "Icon representing pills") ### Healthcare for underserved populations We work to make medicines and healthcare solutions accessible, irrespective of geography, income or local health system limitations. ![Icon representing a puzzle](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/puzzle-icon.jpg.webp?itok=jeQRGipp "Icon representing a puzzle") ### Health systems strengthening We work with multiple stakeholders to improve healthcare provision and create new opportunities for medical innovation to benefit lower-income populations. ![Icon representing a handshake](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/handshake-icon-50-50-card_0.jpg.webp?itok=3UwH__yM "Icon representing a handshake") ### Partnering with commitment We engage for the long term, working with partners and communities to bring complementary expertise and integrated solutions to address global health challenges. ![Icon representing a group of people](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/group-icon-50-50-card.jpg.webp?itok=JAn7h6P3 "Icon representing a group of people") ### Listening to society We listen to what society expects from us and use the insights to determine where we focus, and how we can deepen our role as a responsible citizen. ![Icon representing analytics](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_50_50/public/2026-03/data-analytics-icon.jpg.webp?itok=zZaYXDM5 "Icon representing analytics") ### Ensuring impact Our programs are designed using rigorous goal-setting methodologies to ensure we measure and deliver true societal impact. --- ## Global Health Programs We aim to adopt an integrated end-to-end approach to disease management for the elimination or control of four diseases where there has been market failure and little investment in research and development. We focus our efforts on four flagship programs in malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease and leprosy, while also taking a coordinated approach to tackling other pressing global health challenges such as avoidable blindness and antimicrobial resistance. ![Nurse visits child with malaria in Kenya](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-09/malaria-initiative-keyvisual-malaria-initiative.jpg.webp?itok=Ns22a2s5 "Nurse visits child with malaria in Kenya") ## Malaria We have been committed to the fight against malaria for the past two decades. Today we are working on the development of the next generation of antimalarials. [Learn more](/diseases/malaria "Learn more") ![Treating sickle cell disease](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-09/sickle-cell.jpg.webp?itok=Jvx3l9P2 "Treating sickle cell disease") ## Sickle cell disease (SCD) Novartis is pursuing a comprehensive approach to tackling SCD. We are developing innovative new medicines to treat it and are working to expand access to diagnosis, treatment and care. [Learn more](/diseases/sickle-cell-disease "Learn more") ![Chagas disease patient in Bahia, Brazil](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-09/male-chagas-disease-patient-brazil.jpg.webp?itok=ECVj6Q-I "Chagas disease patient in Bahia, Brazil") ## Chagas disease Together with partners, we are committed to reimagining the fight against Chagas disease and advocating for an integrated, end-to-end care approach. [Learn more](/diseases/chagas-disease "Learn more") ![Screening child for leprosy in Asia](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-09/screening-child-for-leprosy-asia.jpg.webp?itok=H4ZCkz6w "Screening child for leprosy in Asia") ## Leprosy For more than 30 years, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation have been working with partners around the world to eliminate leprosy – and we are committed to going the last mile. [Learn more](/diseases/leprosy "Learn more") ![Bacteria in petri dish ](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2022-05/bacteria-in-petri-dish.jpg.webp?itok=53rubSpb "Bacteria in petri dish ") ## Pandemic Preparedness Climate change and habitat encroachment have led to increased human-wildlife interactions, contributing to rising infectious disease threats. At the same time, the misuse, underuse, and overuse of antibiotics have made antimicrobial resistance one of the top 10 public health threats according to the World Health Organization. [Learn more](/esg/global-health/pandemic-preparedness "Learn more") [ ### Expanding Access to Healthcare The work of our Global Health Flagship Programs is closely aligned with our overall efforts to expand access to healthcare for lower-income populations – shifting the focus from neglected diseases to neglected patient populations. With the Novartis access principles, we committed to systematically integrate access strategies into how we research, develop and deliver our new medicines globally. ](/esg/access) [ ### Novartis Foundation The Novartis Foundation aims to improve the health of low-income populations by working with local authorities and partners to re-engineer health systems from being reactive to proactive predictive and preventative. Furthermore, the Novartis Foundation focuses on how data, digital and artificial intelligence can transform global health. ](https://www.novartisfoundation.org/)