Over the next 15 years chronic disease like cancer and heart disease will become major killers in Sub-Saharan Africa. A new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit explains why.

Chronic diseases kill 38 million people per year worldwide; almost three-quarters of those deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. It’s time to act.

Most people have never heard of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 6,000 babies born worldwide each year. Innovative research may produce treatments for patients suffering from SMA and other rare diseases.

Novartis is working to tackle the problem of counterfeit drugs, which are a threat to patient health.

In October 2013, we created a new, full-time position to lead our CR efforts. Juergen Brokatzky-Geiger, formerly Global Head of Human Resources and a member of the Executive Committee, took on this role effective in February 2014.

Dr. Matchaba describes how his unique background can help guide the company’s access-to-medicine efforts.