IMPE Abstracts

The inequitable and preventable morbidity and mortality experienced by children and young people living with endocrine conditions and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of childhood in resource poor settings is well recognised. Indeed, Member States acknowledged at the 66^th World Health Assembly in 2013 that "Children can die from treatable non-communicable diseases, such as rheumatic heart disease, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and leukaemia, if health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive care are not provided" (Omnibus Resolution on NCDs approved by Member States at WHA 2013: Page 8, Paragraph 2). Consultation with the families of children living with paediatric endocrine conditions in resource poor settings almost invariably identifies affordable access to essential medicines and equipment as their most pressing priority. Caring health professionals can spend enormous amounts of time and energy helping families access the medicines they need to keep their children alive. Non-government organisations (NGOs) work tirelessly to protect and promote the basic human rights of affected children to life and health. Sometimes the challenges can seem overwhelming – particularly for those living with conditions such as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) where survival rests on access to “orphan medicines” such as hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone tablets which provide no lucrative financial incentives for industry. And yet, successes to date give cause for optimism. It is clear that change is possible when we all work together with a shared strategic approach... The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commit Member States to action that will reduce the preventable mortality associated with NCDs by 30% by 2030. Achieving this goal for the international CAH Community will require collaborative action on a global scale not seen before. @MATES4Kids is an international movement that unites individuals and organisations committed to practical actions aimed at improving affordable access to the essential medicines and equipment needed to reduce the preventable mortality associated with childhood NCDs such as CAH. Informed by the Strategic Framework for Action used by CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours - www.clanchildhealth.org) and partners to drive collaborative, rights-based, community development efforts to improve quality of life for children living with chronic conditions, CAH@MATES4Kids is determining a path to 2030 that will forever change the landscape for CAH Communities in resource poor settings. This presentation will outline a roadmap to 2030 and invite participants to consider their role in this global movement for change. We welcome you to join.