The Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a non-profit organisation established by the Denmark-based biopharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, and the Government of Karnataka have pledged to work together to improve access to education, treatment, and care for people living with diabetes and obesity in the state.

The parties will work together to create an action plan that positively impacts the lives of people who live with the two chronic diseases. The proposed action plan includes the setting up of multiple Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across medical colleges in Karnataka and the education of doctors and patients who live with the condition.

67% people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India live with overweight or obesity and 57% of adults living with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Hence, it becomes critical to increase awareness, access to diabetes care, and help with early diagnosis for patients.

Highlighting the need for healthcare access and sustainability, Freddy Svane, Ambassador at the Royal Danish Embassy, said “To make a meaningful impact in reducing the burden of chronic diseases, we must use as many hands as we can get. Public-private partnerships such as these are a great way for likeminded stakeholders to work on common goals."

Data from the World Obesity Atlas 2022 shows that the economic impact of obesity in India in the year 2019 was $23 billionn (0.8% GDP) which is projected to become $479 billion (2.75% GDP) by the year 2060.