In a historic partnership, three of the world’s largest global health funders have come together to address the interconnected impacts of climate change, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Wellcome, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a $300 million research initiative that aims to find affordable solutions for people in low and middle-income countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of breaking down barriers between different areas of research. For example, obesity can be a risk factor for the severity of infectious diseases, while climate change-induced extreme weather events can lead to food insecurity, making undernourished children more vulnerable to diseases like measles and cholera. Advances in nutritional science and understanding the gut microbiome have provided insights into the impacts of over- and under-nutrition on health and development.
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, emphasized the need for renewed attention to global health post-pandemic and highlighted the importance of addressing market failures and promoting equitable access to medical advances. The funding will also support researchers in low- and middle-income countries, with opportunities for collaboration with private, philanthropic, and public partners.
Catherine Kyobutungi, executive director of the African Population and Health Research Center, stressed that effective solutions often emerge from the communities most affected by these challenges. This partnership represents a significant step towards addressing critical global health issues and promoting meaningful change.
