El Institute of Clinical and Health Effectiveness (IECS) was selected as regional host institution for Latin America and the Caribbean (ALC) of the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN)a global initiative driven by the technical alliance Access Accelerated–World Bank, In collaboration with Results for Development (R4D)FAN's mission is to support low- and middle-income countries in the design and implementation of innovative financing solutions that allow strengthening the prevention, diagnosis and care of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
FAN's expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean comes at a crucial time. In 29 countries of the region, NCDs (including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and mental health disorders) currently account for between 48% and 80% of the total disease burden, and more than 200 million people live with at least one NCD.
"Latin America and the Caribbean have taken important steps to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)“,” said Herb Riband, CEO of Access Accelerated.Even so, the growing burden of these diseases has significant implications for public spending, particularly because fiscal space for health remains limited. The IECS's regional reach, coordinated structure, and policy expertise make it an ideal institution to support countries in advancing sustainable financing solutions for NCDs.".
The role of IECS as a Regional Accelerator of Financing for NCDs
As a Regional Accelerator for NCD Financing, the IECS will play a central role in the coordination, articulation and development of initiatives aimed at improving the sustainable financing of actions for the prevention and control of NCDs in LAC.
This work will be structured around FAN's three strategic pillars:
- FAN Foresight, which provides specialized technical assistance.
- FAN Forum, which promotes exchange and learning between countries.
- FAN Fund, which promotes innovative initiatives through catalytic financing.
In this context, the IECS will contribute its experience in health policy, research and technical cooperation, helping to consolidate a solid regional platform capable of supporting countries in their NCD financing challenges.
In the coming months, FAN will form the regional team and, together with the IECS, conduct a landscape study to identify funding gaps and opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Direct work with countries is expected to begin this year. FAN also plans to expand into Asia-Pacific in its next phase, as part of its strategy to develop a global network of regional accelerators.
A recognition of the IECS' leadership
“Being selected as the regional host of the FAN Accelerator is a tremendous opportunity to reinforce our commitment to strengthening health systems in the region. NCDs represent one of the most significant health challenges of our time and require new forms of financing, cooperation, and evidence generation. FAN will allow us to support countries in their search for sustainable and effective solutions.”", highlighted the Dr. Federico Augustovski, co-director of the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics (ETESA) at IECS and leader of the project team.
The Regional Accelerator for Latin America and the Caribbean will be led by a multidisciplinary team from three IECS Departments and Centers: the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics (ETESA), the Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies (CIIPS), and the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Health for South America (CESCAS). The team comprises specialists in health finance and policy, chronic diseases, health technology assessment, health economics, implementation science, data and advanced analytics, among other key areas.
“Our goal is to generate evidence and support decision-making processes that will allow us to move towards more equitable, efficient, and sustainable financing models. With FAN, countries in the region will have a structured space to learn from each other, develop pilot projects, and access technical assistance tailored to their contexts.”Augustovski added.
An initiative with global impact
FAN was launched in 2024 and began its activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) serves as the host institution. Its arrival in Latin America and the Caribbean marks the expansion of a global network of regional accelerators, the next phase of which is planned for Asia-Pacific.
The selection of IECS, following a multi-stage competitive process involving more than 20 institutions in the region, reflects its “regional reach, coordinated structure and experience in health policies,” attributes that the evaluation committee considered fundamental to leading the NCD financing agenda in LAC.
Next steps
In the coming months, FAN and IECS will begin a regional overview study to assess financing gaps and opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Coordination with governments and local stakeholders is expected to begin this year, along with the development of the 2026 Work Plan, which will incorporate new lines of technical assistance, regional collaboration, and support for innovative pilot initiatives.
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