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Although health is a fundamental human right, far too many people lack the opportunity to live a healthy life. We are committed to reducing inequities in health to benefit individuals and society. 

In Denmark, we focus on promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing among children and young people, and equal access to healthcare for all who need it.  

The aim of our humanitarian and global health initiatives is to enable scalable and sustainable solutions to critical humanitarian and health challenges in low- and middle-income countries with a particular focus upon the growing burden of cardiometabolic diseases.  

Our goals are to: 

  • Prioritise prevention and treatment initiatives that address inequities in health, benefitting people in vulnerable situations and those living with chronic diseases 
  • Leverage long-term, cross-sectoral partnerships and build institutional capacity to improve access to quality healthcare 
  • Support solutions that are responsive to diverse patient needs 

Projects and initiatives we have supported

Reducing inequity in health

Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP)

With the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP), the Novo Nordisk Foundation takes a step towards reducing inequity in health by strengthening the education of nurses and other key health professionals in India, Kenya, and East Africa.

Pandemic Antiviral Discovery (PAD)

Together with Open Philanthropy and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation made an initial commitment of up to USD 90 million in coordinated funding towards the initiative in 2022.

Steno Diabetes Centers – prevention and treatment of diabetes

The aim of the Steno Diabetes Centers is to establish the optimal framework for preventing and treating diabetes and other related diseases.

Strategic partnership to fight noncommunicable diseases in Tanzania

The project seeks to improve access to treatment, as well as enhance disease prevention and health education, of noncommunicable diseases in Tanzania.

Centre for Childhood Health

In 2022, the Novo Nordisk Foundation awarded a grant towards the establishment of a new centre focusing on healthy weight among children.

Health nurses’ prevention of obesity from infancy

The initiatives seek to support and guide new parents in matters of early risk factors for child obesity and mental health problems. 

Coronavirus initiatives

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is supporting a number of initiatives in relation to combatting COVID-19.