Novo Nordisk to carry on efforts to combat diabetes

Novo Nordisk will continue investing in awareness and education in Bangladesh and working with its partners to ensure a sustainable, high-quality future for diabetic patients, a top official of the company said.

Peter Ulvskjold, corporate vice-president of the Danish insulin-maker, said: “Our business in Bangladesh is growing and we are investing back into the market because it is a developing market.”

There are 71 lakh diabetic patients in Bangladesh, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The number is expected to be double by 2040.

“As the number of diabetic patients in Bangladesh would double in just 25 years, the country's efforts, awareness building, and supply of medicine and healthcare system have to be improved to cope with the scenario.”

The rising burden of diabetes is a big threat to the sustainable development goals as health and development are closely linked, Ulvskjold told The Daily Star in an interview recently.

“As Bangladesh's economy grows, health must be a top priority for the government.”

He said 130,000 people died of diabetes related complexities in Bangladesh last year.

“If we could have prevented just one of those deaths through some universal healthcare, then that would have benefited the country because that person would have worked and contributed to society and the economy.”

He urged the government to invest in healthcare to make it affordable for the diabetic patients.

There are lots of patients in Bangladesh who do not have control of their diabetes. “So a lot of education and work have to be put in here. We are working with our partners and investing to build a sustainable future for the patients here.”

The company has roped in Bangladesh's popular national cricketer Mashrafe Bin Mortaza as a brand ambassador to help the company raise awareness about battling diabetes.

Novo Nordisk in partnership with Eskayef, owned by Transcom Group, has been manufacturing insulin in Bangladesh since 2012, while Transcom Distribution Company distributes the insulin products across the country.

“We and our partner Eskayef want to ensure that we can supply diabetic products to our customers easily.”

“Transcom and its Eskayef is an example of how to do local production as a strong partner. It is something we show globally because Eskayef has been able to secure a level of quality and continuity in production that is an inspiration for us.”

"It makes us happy as a partner as it gives us faith that patients are receiving products of global standard.”

“This partnership will also continue in the future,” he said.

Novo Nordisk has 56 percent share in Bangladesh's insulin market.

Since 2010, the company has been running the Changing Diabetes in Children programme to help underprivileged children fight type-1 diabetes.

Three clinics have been established in Bangladesh under the CDiC programme, where 2,100 children have been enrolled. They are getting free insulin, glucometers, test strips, monthly consultation and other relevant supports.

The 42-year-old official, who heads the company's Southeast Asia operations, said these children who are receiving support from Novo Nordisk are very fortunate, but there are hundreds others who do not receive the support.

“It means you have type-1 diabetic kids that are dying, which could be prevented.”

The world would see amazing progress in the coming decade in the way diabetes is treated. “There will be new devices, innovations in terms of using phones and other technologies to help you better track your activities, blood sugar and insulin.”

“So, we are investing a lot in technology.”

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs about 42,000 people in 77 countries and markets its products in more than 165 countries.

Globally, diabetes is developing very fast. According to the IDF, there are 415 million diabetic patients in the world, which would be 645 million in 2040.

“Time moves quickly, but innovation and technology move more quickly. That is why we are seeing so many people being informed about diabetes. We are seeing new products and innovations coming out, which will make it easier for patients to lead a normal life.”

Ulvskjold has been working for the Danish drug-maker for 17 years. He worked for the company in Russia, Latin America and Africa in the last 13 years.

fazlur.rahman@thedailystar.net