PRINCETON- March 2024- Bristol Myers Squibb unveiled a $1.8 million initiative to advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) in four countries with underserved patient needs, including Brazil, India, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The new health equity grants are an extension of the company’s broader long-term commitment to invest $150M in health equity by 2025.
Inequities in healthcare systems present a unique global challenge, with some studies suggesting that SDoH factors account for up to 50% of health outcomes within the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines SDoH as non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income and social status, education, physical environment, social support networks, genetics, health services and gender. As echoed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDoH are crucial to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
“We know that a healthier world is attainable, but access remains a significant challenge for many patients and social determinants of health present barriers to people attaining their full potential for health and well-being,” said Cari Gallman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb. “These new health equity grants reinforce Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitment to ensuring all patients have access to high-quality health care, regardless of where they live.”
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These healthcare-strengthening grants will support eight organizations that are addressing the root causes of inequities in an effort to deliver long-lasting impacts at a community level. The organization selected the grantees in countries with underserved communities living with cancer and blood disorders. Based on the outcomes of this pilot program, the Company will consider expansion to other geographies and communities to remove systemic barriers to care, and enable better access and health outcomes.
