This award recognises initiatives by life science companies and their agencies in supporting patients, providers, payors, government bodies and other healthcare organisations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Bringing medicines, diagnostic solutions, medical devices and services to the broadest global population forms part of the stated purpose of many life science companies. The challenges inherent in maximizing access to all types of healthcare solution in lower- and middle-income countries, at the same time as achieving acceptable financial returns for those global companies that are committed to serving them, have been well understood for many years.
Companies’ interventions may relate to dedicated commercial arrangements, whereby the company has shown innovation and flexibility in how it engages with payors and governments. Equally, it may include infrastructural support, whereby the company supports the both the long-term development of a country’s healthcare system and its immediate programmes to provide health services, through both human and technical assets. Hybrid approaches, spanning both commercial and infrastructural support, are increasingly proving effective.
Further, in today’s world, the innovative use of digital solutions and programmes can amplify reach and enhance outcomes. Advanced use of digital and data to solve health challenges has huge potential to serve LMIC populations both through advancing healthcare, and broader socio-economic outcomes.
To win this award, we are looking for companies that are committed to LMICs and have shown original thought and conviction in how to address these challenges and opportunities
Potential entries may present initiatives directly coupled to the company’s medicines or diagnostics solutions portfolio. Alternatively, campaigns and investments which are upstream of therapy, such as prevention, awareness building, screening and diagnosis support, or downstream such as rehabilitation and maintenance, or otherwise decoupled from commercial strategies, will also be gladly accepted.
Interventions may be focused on patients, the broader citizenship, healthcare professionals, or other groups and organisations.
Working in original ways with multiple parties is also likely to demonstrate industry leadership.
Fresh thinking on go-to-market models, where a company has been willing to trial new ideas for how the industry and LMIC healthcare systems interact is welcome.
This is a new award for 2024. Hence PMEA has an open mind on submissions for this award. All the other “Excellence in…” categories in the PMEA Awards may offer inspiration. The key element for this award is innovation and commitment to supporting healthcare specifically in LMICs.
Work conducted during the two-year period between June 2023 and June 2025 will be eligible.
