Roche's decade-long commitment to improving women's health in Vietnam

Could you tell us more about the initiatives and the progress on women's health Roche has made over the past decade?

Lennor Carrillo, general director of Roche Pharma Vietnam

Over the past 10 years, Roche has been at the forefront of optimising breast cancer care through early screenings and access to innovative treatments via the former ‘We Care for HER” and now “Joining Hands for HER” in partnership with Vietnam Medical Association and Bright Future Fund - Supportive Fund for Cancer Patients.

Our partnership’s campaigns offered free screenings for over 72,000 high-risk women nationwide since 2013. Through the programme, we have provided guidance on breast care, early detection methods, and answered questions about breast cancer through our informative "Doctor Talks" programmes. The information on breast cancer has reached millions of Vietnamese thanks to the public awareness campaigns.

Breast cancer is a significant concern globally. How has Roche contributed to addressing this issue?

Breast cancer is indeed a pressing issue that affects many women worldwide. It is not only the most commonly diagnosed cancer but also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. However, advancements in diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased the chances of cure.

Roche has been committed to raising awareness about early detection and prompt treatment as pivotal factors in improving survival rates. Recent research shows that when breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate can reach an astounding 90 per cent.

Every investment made in enhancing women's health can yield significant returns, with the World Health Organization demonstrating that every dollar invested can generate a return up to 26 times the initial investment. If breast cancer screenings are approved for reimbursement, it could generate substantial benefits for both women and society.

Roche's decade-long commitment to improving women's health in Vietnam

How have the company's initiatives impacted the community and raised awareness about breast cancer?

Our initiatives have had a positive impact on the community by generating awareness and encouraging early detection of breast cancer. Through public awareness campaigns such as illuminating buildings in pink and organising double-decker bus parades, we have successfully captured the attention of the community and sparked conversations about breast cancer.

These initiatives have not only educated women about the importance of early screenings but also empowered them to take control of their health. By providing information, guidance, and support, we aim to ensure that women are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

As we celebrate the 10^th year anniversary of your partnership in advocating for a healthier future for women in Vietnam, what are Roche's future plans?

We are honoured to be a part of this meaningful journey and remain dedicated to creating a positive impact in the fight against breast cancer. Moving forward, Roche will continue to strengthen healthcare systems for women by building greater understanding of the need for a women-centric approach to care.

Our objective is to provide care tailored to meet women's needs, address inequities in access to healthcare, and build meaningful partnerships to improve women’s health. We will continue our efforts in enhancing early screenings and improving access to innovative therapies that contribute to better outcomes for women facing breast cancer.

Roche improving cancer care in Vietnam through innovative training and therapy Public-private collaboration has brought hope for vulnerable patients thanks to new and innovative therapies. Girish Mulye, chief representative of Roche Vietnam, talked to VIR’s Bich Thuy about how Roche makes contributions in such partnerships to increase healthcare access to Vietnamese people.

Roche Pharma Vietnam co-creating partnerships in sustainable health Over the past decades, Roche has been working with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to improve healthcare through various activities. Lennor Carrillo, general director at Roche Pharma Vietnam, talked with VIR’s Linh Le about Roche’s 28-year journey and its plans to support the country moving forward.

Roche commitment to improving women’s cancer care Lennor Carrillo, general director of Roche Pharma Vietnam, and Dr. Qadeer Raza, general manager of Roche Vietnam (Diagnostics), spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the latest report of women's cancer and reiterated their commitment to women’s cancer care with their combined strength of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.