About Novartis' New Global Health & Sustainability Targets

Novartis has unveiled a comprehensive set of long-term Social Impact & Sustainability (SI&S) objectives, which are designed to evolve the company's role in global wellness. 

This new framework moves beyond the traditional scope of medical discovery, aiming instead to increase the resilience and inclusivity of healthcare systems across the globe. 

By aligning innovation with environmental stewardship and social equity, the organisation seeks to create measurable value for patients and the planet.

Korab Zuka, Chief Sustainability Officer and Global Head of Social Impact at Novartis, says: “These new long‑term targets reflect where we believe we can make the greatest difference – by embedding inclusion into how we innovate, expanding access to our medicines, strengthening health systems and reducing our environmental footprint. 

“They set a clear direction and hold us accountable for delivering meaningful, measurable progress for patients, communities and the planet, while creating long‑term value for society."

Prioritising global access and inclusive innovation

At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to embedding inclusion into medical development. 

Novartis has pledged that every new therapeutic launch will be accompanied by a bespoke global access strategy. 

This initiative is particularly focused on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

By 2030, the company intends to expand the reach of its strategic innovative medicines in these regions by at least 150% compared to a 2025 baseline.

Reaching patients requires functional healthcare infrastructure. To address this, the organisation is collaborating with international partners to develop at least 40 healthcare system readiness roadmaps by 2030. 

These blueprints will focus on preparing local systems to manage complex conditions, including:

• Rare renal diseases and Huntington’s disease
• Chronic myeloid leukemia and myelofibrosis
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Tackling neglected diseases and community wellness

Novartis is also continuing its 85-year legacy of addressing global health crises that are often overlooked by the broader scientific community. 

Between 2026 and 2030, the company will invest a minimum of US$250m into research and development for malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). A major milestone in this journey is the anticipated 2026 regulatory submission for a new malaria treatment.

Beyond the laboratory, the company is launching novel community health initiatives. These models are designed to supplement existing business operations by enhancing the screening, prevention and treatment of cancer and heart disease in LMICs. 

The goal is to successfully establish these initiatives in ten different nations by the end of the decade.

Environmental stewardship and the path to net zero

Recognising that human health is inextricably linked to the health of the Earth, Novartis has set rigorous environmental ambitions.

The overall target is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2040.

Interim goals for 2030 include:

• A 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions
• A 42% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from a 2022 baseline
• A 30% decrease in total waste sent for disposal

Furthermore, the company is prioritising nature positive outcomes by managing water and materials more effectively. 

By 2030, the goal is to eliminate water quality impacts from manufacturing effluents across all internal sites and suppliers. 

Additionally, specific water-reduction plans will be enforced for facilities located in water-stressed regions.