“…The MDGs have been a powerful force in maintaining support for health as a crucial element of development. A solid framework with clear objectives has proven to be highly effective in bringing about improvements in health in low income countries. Now that the international community is looking ahead to health in the post-2015 development agenda, there is an opportunity to build on the huge strides that have been made in global development. There is an opportunity to put forward ambitious goals that sustain the work of the MDGs, ensure health for all, tackle poverty and integrate the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

IAPO is pleased to see that the post-2015 development agenda is considering the societal and economic impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and that WHO is advocating for a holistic approach to NCD prevention and management. However, the post-2015 agenda must be driven by the needs and experiences of people affected by ill-health and success defined in their terms. A patient-centred approach acknowledges that many aspects of a person’s life are affected by the burden of the disease and should be the starting point to meeting future health-related development goals. WHO is right to focus on health as a human right and we recognise the growing support in the international community for universal health coverage. Both are a positive step towards patient-centred healthcare and sustainable development.

IAPO welcomes the consultative process being undertaken in the post-2015 development process. Patients’ organizations are a key stakeholder and undertake vital work to support patients such as health literacy training, health promotion advice, support for managing conditions and accessing treatment. These are important initiatives that improve health outcomes and prevent individuals and families falling into poverty as a result.”

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Note to Editors:
About IAPO: IAPO is the only global alliance representing patients of all nationalities across all disease areas and promoting patient-centred healthcare worldwide. Our members are patients’ organizations working at the local, national, regional and international levels to represent and support patients, their families and carers. IAPO has over 200 members which span over 50 countries and 50 disease areas and through its membership represents an estimated 365 million patients worldwide.

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For further information, please contact:
Mr Jeremiah Mwangi, Policy & External Affairs Director, IAPO
T: +44 20 7250 8278; Email: jeremiah@patientsorganizations.org
Website: www.patientsorganizations.org