With Patients - Always - In Its Mind

“Collaboration with Pfizer enabled us to close up the care gap between cancer treatment as we are now able to offer consultation and assessment, counselling, awareness and sensitization through road walks and radio jingles in the North-Central axis of Nigeria,” said Dr. Oyinloye, the Medical Director of Leah Foundation. Oyinloye spoke at Pfizer’s second global event on October 7, 2022, “Patients In Focus,” which concluded week-long activities.

Renewal Of Commitment 
Organisers said the theme, “With Patients, For Patients,” signifies the renewal of Pfizer’s commitment to serving patients. Though the event lasted a week, Pfizer’s commitment to patients is year-round and central to its everyday work. “We are made up of many local markets and differing functions, but our purpose is global: to develop breakthroughs that change patients’ lives,” said Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer. “For our work to be meaningful, every function of Pfizer needs to understand the importance of engaging patients, caregivers, and advocates in our work…” she noted. 

Taking Breakthroughs To Patients 
The zoom meeting saw stakeholders discuss a number of issues, aimed at bringing Pfizer’s pharmaceutical and service breakthroughs to the knowledge of patients. For example, Vaccine Network or Vaccinenet, helps to remind parents of their babies’ immunization dates.  The goal of the week-long event was to understand the needs of patients and how to help them. Especially as Pfizer has put in place a patient assistance scheme for those who cannot afford its drugs. 

Pfizer Eyes Cameroonian Market
It was revealed that Pfizer is currently discussing with Clinton Health Foundation, Cameroon on the possibility of extending its assistance service and products to the Central African nation. On cancer treatment, it was recalled that patients in Third World countries often report late for treatment. But cancers can actually be treated if diagnosed early. The need for psychological assistance and emotional care for those diagnosed with cancer was stressed. “Cancer treatment isn’t just about medicine. Cancer patient support groups are of great help,” a participant noted. On Coronavirus vaccine development, it was explained that Pfizer had to develop the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in less than two years because of the urgency of the situation. For a process that normally lasts about 10 years.   

Patients’ Perspective As Key 
The “Patients In Focus” celebration in West Africa took the form of an interactive panel discussion with Pfizer West Africa Country Manager, Olayinka Subair and patient advocates in oncology, rare diseases and immunization. They discussed the topic, “Promoting Health Equity As A Patient Advocate.” During which patient advocates spoke on the impact of their interventions to patients. Like including patients’ perspective in all facets of Pfizer’s work, and the impact of partnerships. 

Patient Engagement, Partnerships
According to Michelle Akande, the Vice President of Globa...