-- The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) has expanded its primary care systems strengthening program to close treatment gaps for millions of patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The initiative focuses on scaling proven advocacy strategies in countries where hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.
More details can be found at https://www.advocacyincubator.org/program-areas/health-systems-strengthening/primary-health-care
According to recent data from the World Health Organization, an estimated 580 million people with hypertension in low- and middle-income countries remain undiagnosed, while 720 million lack adequate treatment. GHAI's program addresses these challenges through direct collaboration with civil society organizations, government bodies, and media outlets, providing targeted technical assistance to strengthen advocacy capacity and influence national and local health policies.
The program has recorded measurable results in several focus countries. In India, a nationwide plan now aims to treat 75 million hypertension and diabetes patients by 2025, integrating GHAI-supported initiatives into federal health programming. Bangladesh has expanded access to essential hypertension medicines by adding them to rural community clinic drug lists, reducing travel and cost barriers for patients in underserved areas. Additionally, oversight committees have been established in two major Indian states to monitor hypertension control progress and ensure policy implementation.
GHAI's strengthened approach centers on three priorities: advocating for improved health system quality and universal access to treatment; mobilizing political support for affordable, evidence-based care; and securing sustainable funding for programs with trained healthcare workers and essential medical supplies.
"Policy changes at national and subnational levels can shift population health outcomes and improve social norms," a GHAI representative said. "Our systematic approach helps partners build sustainable advocacy movements that deliver lasting public health benefits."
About the Global Health Advocacy Incubator
The Global Health Advocacy Incubator, based in Washington, D.C., partners with local organizations to advance public health through evidence-based policy advocacy. An initiative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, GHAI supports movements that address critical health challenges through strategic policy change and sustained funding. Bloomberg Philanthropies supports its NCD programming in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria.
For more information, visit https://www.advocacyincubator.org/program-areas/health-systems-strengthening/primary-health-care
Contact Info:
Name: Jen Patterson
Email: Send Email
Organization: Global Health Advocacy Incubator
Address: 1400 I Street Northwest Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Website: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/
Release ID: 89167713