Novartis launches Novartis Access scheme in Kenya

Novartis has announced the debut of its Novartis Access affordable medicines programme in Kenya.

The African nation has become the first country to benefit from the company's portfolio of 15 affordable medicines, designed to treat chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and breast cancer. 

Novartis' portfolio is being offered to the Kenyan government, non-governmental organisations and other public sector healthcare providers for $1 per treatment per month. The firm will also work with Boston University to measure the programme's impact on health and steer its ongoing development.

Joerg Reinhardt, chairman of the board of Novartis, said: "The successful implementation of the program in Kenya will be essential to guide the expansion of Novartis Access to other countries in the future."

Following Kenya, Novartis Access will be launched in Ethiopia and Vietnam. Over the coming years, Novartis plans to roll out the initiative in as many as 30 countries, depending on demand.

The approach is expected to be commercially sustainable in the long term, thereby enabling continuous support in these regions.