Expanding Access to Care for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) account for more deaths globally than any other cause. In spite of this growing burden in poor and rich countries alike, many people affected by these diseases are not aware of their condition or not able to access treatment due to a variety of barriers, such as high healthcare costs, lack of knowledge, and shortages of providers and medical supplies at health facilities. Funded by the Medtronic Foundation, HealthRise is a 5-year program that aims to contribute to the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing premature mortality associated with NCDs by 25% by 2025 through community-based grant projects in India, the US, South Africa and Brazil. These demonstration projects empower patients, strengthen caregivers and frontline health workers, and advance policies to increase the detection, management and control of CVD and diabetes for underserved populations and ultimately enable people living with chronic disease to successfully manage their condition over the long term.