Johannesburg – JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (“Aspen”), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, earlier today launched an awareness campaign around the alarming rise and associated risks of non-communicable diseases (“NCDs”) at a joint media briefing with the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (“SEMDSA”).
There has been a notable global increase in NCDs, which are collectively responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide and include cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and iabetes. This trend is being mirrored in South Africa where major NCDs have increased 58,7% over the past 20[1] years and it is set to continue along this trajectory. Some 71% of global deaths (41 million) are attributed to NCDs with 1.5 million being for diabetes[2], and with 80% of NCDs being classified as premature.
Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade said, “There is a strong link between obesity, diabetes, and cancer, with the former triggering what has become known as the metabolic-cardio-renal complex of diseases. If left unarrested, the economic impact of NCDs will significantly over-burden an already highly stretched healthcare system and impact lives and livelihoods. On World Diabetes Day, we strongly encourage people to learn about the risks of diabetes and assess their own risk, to understand the differences between Type 1 and Type II diabetes, and to seek appropriate support from their healthcare professional if they are concerned about their health.”
“Aspen remains committed to contributing towards the management of NCDs, as has been demonstrated by the Group’s investment of more than R10 billion in sterile manufacturing capacity. This capability has positioned Aspen as an emerging contributor in rapidly expanding the production of treatment options for diabetes.”
“Aligned to this commitment we have also noted, with concern, the increasing lack of suitably qualified medical professionals to treat NCDs, and we are pleased to announce a Fellowship to SEMDSA for medical specialisation in the field of Endocrinology.”
Dr Reyna Daya, SEMDSA President said, “Approximately 50% of South Africans with diabetes remain undiagnosed, and this NCD has reached pandemic proportions. Diabetes treatment requires multiple resources, and we are currently experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals who can treat diabetes and its complications. Our country also needs to increase awareness and heighten discussions around this disease. These patients are at risk of developing both significant and severe cardiac and renal complications, both of which require access to special care units, which are sadly lacking across our provinces. There is already a significant economic impact to productivity with patients who are presenting diabetes and its complications. Irrespective of a patient’s position on the social ladder, once diagnosed, there is hope with treatment options, albeit that they remain costly and inaccessible to many.”
Aspen’s investment in world class pharmaceutical manufacturing in South Africa has improved supply security and infectious disease prevention in Africa, thereby assisting with the African Union’s overall objective of solving regional health issues through local capabilities. Additional investment has also targeted skills development, talent retention, and new technology, which has positioned Aspen to respond swiftly to breakout pandemics and has become a significant differentiator for the Group.
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Click here to download Aspen’s World Diabetes Day press pack
[1] Statistics SA, Report 03-08-01: Non communicable diseases: Findings from death notifications (2008-2018), published 17 October 2023.
[2] World Health Organization, Noncommunicable Diseases, Key Facts