Novartis announced a major expansion of its community health programs aimed at improving access to care for heart disease and cancer, with plans to scale initiatives from 11 countries to more than 30 by 2030.
The expansion focuses on three complementary models designed to address gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for underserved populations, including low-income and rural communities. The programs emphasize community-based care, earlier intervention, and data-driven population health strategies.
A key component of the expansion is the launch of Inclusive Health Accelerators, a new initiative rolling out across five U.S. cities: New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston, and Baltimore. The program is designed to improve access to breast and prostate cancer care through increased awareness, expanded screening, and better referral pathways for follow-up treatment.
Novartis is also expanding its Community Health Initiatives, which aim to accelerate diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and cancer in emerging markets. Currently active in countries such as Vietnam, Rwanda, and Bolivia, the program will expand to at least 10 low- and middle-income countries by 2030, building on results that have significantly improved hypertension control rates in pilot regions.
In parallel, the Novartis Foundation is scaling its CARDIO4Cities program, a data-driven approach that uses real-time data and artificial intelligence to improve cardiovascular health in urban populations. The initiative is currently active in eight countries and is expected to expand to 23 countries and 30 major cities by 2030, with demonstrated improvements in hypertension control and reductions in stroke and heart attack rates.
Across all three programs, Novartis is collaborating with local stakeholders, including community organizations, health authorities, and private sector partners, to strengthen prevention, improve early detection, and streamline access to specialist care.
The expansion comes amid growing concern that progress against chronic diseases is slowing in many regions, highlighting the need for scalable and sustainable solutions to improve healthcare access and outcomes worldwide.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are going further to bring heart disease and cancer care to communities falling through the gaps in health systems. With progress slowing against chronic disease in many countries, and millions missing out on potential treatment, there is an urgent need for new, sustainable solutions to improve access to care.”
Michelle Weese, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Novartis
