Eli Lilly and UNICEF Partnership to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases in India

During the World Health Assembly, Eli Lilly and Company announced a $6.5 million donation to UNICEF to expand efforts in improving health outcomes for children at risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India. This commitment aims to strengthen health systems in resource-limited areas and enhance care for diseases like diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease among children.

UNICEF plans to integrate NCD management into existing health programs, focusing on prevention and treatment for young people. The burden of NCDs is closely linked to poverty and inequities, with low-income countries being disproportionately affected. Childhood NCDs can lead to long-term implications such as disabilities and reduced quality of life.

In 2019, NCDs accounted for 66% of all deaths in India, with 22% being premature. The partnership between UNICEF and Lilly aims to address these challenges by focusing on prevention strategies that can start in adolescence. By 2030, UNICEF seeks to improve health outcomes for millions of children in India, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.