Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen: Leading a company committed to impacting care. Together

Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen: Leading a company committed to impacting care. Together

Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen: Leading a company committed to impacting care. Together

In 2005, Novo Nordisk established the Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation with the vision that all people with haemophilia or rare bleeding disorders receive care and treatment, wherever they live. 15 years on, Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen explains how the company’s commitment to this vision remains as strong as ever.

As the NNHF’s founder and funder, Novo Nordisk has been fundamental in enabling the NNHF to improve access to care in over 78 countries to date. One of these countries is Myanmar, where in 2017, at the start of the NNHF project in the northern part of the country, only one haematologist and one paediatrician were providing haemophilia care, and diagnosis facilities were limited.

The NNHF project has brought together international experts and institutions to train nurses, physiotherapists and haematologists. Diagnosis equipment has been purchased and the regional patient organisation has been strengthened to improve its capacity to provide education and support.

Nurse Jennifer Maahs from the US provides training in basic haemophilia care to nurses from Mandalay hospitals and other regions of Northern Myanmar.

Companywide commitment to improving care

As Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen explains, some of the key activities of the project, such as the training of three haematologists in the UK, have been made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of Novo Nordisk employees across the world. Myanmar is not the only NNHF project to benefit from Novo Nordisk employees’ generosity. Globally, they have also volunteered their skills to build capacity amongst project teams on topics such as advocacy and process optimisation.

Additionally, the NNHF Council comprises representatives from Novo Nordisk executive management alongside globally renowned medical professionals, who provide strategic guidance to the NNHF.  

Zay Yar Linn undertakes a physiotherapy session at Mandalay General Hospital, where physiotherapists received training on how to provide care to people with haemophilia, as part of the project.

Achieving a sense of pride

Reflecting on the achievements of the NNHF Myanmar project so far, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen says “I am proud to lead a company that is helping to create such a change,” reflecting a pride that resonates across the organisation. Alongside NNHF’s partners, Council members, international volunteers and representatives from the global bleeding disorders community, the dedication and commitment of Novo Nordisk’s management team and employees have contributed greatly to the NNHF in impacting care. Together.