As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of renewed purpose and action for Access Accelerated. This year marked the beginning of an exciting new phase, propelled by our renewed technical partnership with the World Bank. Together we are focusing on a critical issue: improving sustainable financing for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

At the heart of this effort was the November launch of the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN). In close cooperation with Results for Development (R4D) as Network Manager and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) as host of the inaugural NCD Financing Accelerator in Sub-Saharan Africa, FAN serves as a catalyst for technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and investment. By fostering locally led solutions and addressing systemic financing gaps, FAN is focused on expanding access to quality NCD care for those who need it most.

The past year has underscored the urgency of our mission. NCD financing dialogues at the World Health Assembly in May and the WHO-World Bank International Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for NCDs and Mental Health in June—where Access Accelerated was one of only three private sector participants—brought this issue into sharp focus. Recent World Bank reports further highlights this challenge, revealing declining government investment in health and shrinking per capita spending in many LMICs.

These developments all point to a shared recognition: decisive and collective action is urgently needed to close the financing gap for NCDs.

As we move into 2025 and prepare for the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, we remain committed to evaluating progress with a focus on impact, learning from evidence, and adapting to meet emerging challenges.

While innovation remains vital, success depends on building on what already works—optimizing resources, avoiding duplication, and ensuring our efforts complement existing initiatives.

We are inspired by the progress made this year and mindful of the work that lies ahead. Together, with a growing coalition of local and global partners across sectors, we are working towards a future where NCDs are prioritized and universal health coverage becomes a reality for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to advancing this vision.

The Access Accelerated Leadership Team

Sara Martin, Chair
Niels Lund, Vice-Chair
Herb Riband, Director