Inspiring innovation through diversity and inclusion
When we bring together people from different backgrounds, the possibilities for invention are endless
February 1, 2024
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A diverse and inclusive workforce inspires innovation and is fundamental to our company’s success. Having an environment composed of people from different dimensions of diversity also helps us better understand the unique needs of the customers, health care providers and patients we serve.
Below are some of the ways we celebrate our diverse workforce and a culture of equity, empowerment, engagement and belonging:
01.
Supporting a disability-confident workforce
At our company, everyone should feel empowered to help deliver on our purpose of using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. This includes our colleagues who live with disabilities.
Our Global Disability Inclusion Strategy Council recognizes and values the importance of a disability-confident workforce and offers resources to ensure people with disabilities — including physical, neurological, mental, rare or any other forms of disabilities — are included and prepared to succeed in all areas of our business.
“My hope is for our company to be an example of what’s possible.”
Michael Klobuchar Executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and executive sponsor of the Global Disability Inclusion Strategy Council
Key programs and partnerships include:
CapABILITY in Action, a joint program launched with Accenture and run in partnership with workforce solutions company Rangam to attract, recruit and retain neurodivergent talent.
Valuable 500, a global partnership of 500 companies committed to accelerating disability inclusion through best practices such as digitally accessible technology, mental health awareness and more.
02.
Economic inclusion and business diversity
We’ve been championing business diversity and underrepresented entrepreneurs for nearly 40 years, recognizing that a diverse supply chain creates a competitive advantage for our company and positively impacts the global community.
We continue to exceed industry best practices by spending more than 10% of our purchase budget with minority-, women-, veteran-, LGBTQ+-, disability-owned and small business enterprises. And we’re continuing to push ourselves to do more: As a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, we’ve made a long-term commitment to spend $4.4 billion with diverse suppliers and small businesses by 2030.
“We’re thinking broader and bolder, and we’ll continue enriching a global diverse business community, reaffirming our commitment to creating healthy and equitable outcomes for our business, patients and communities.”
Susanna Webber Senior vice president and chief procurement officer
03.
Celebrating global diversity and inclusion
Since 2015, we’ve celebrated Global Diversity & Inclusion Experience Month in September to foster meaningful discussions and learning around diversity, equity and inclusion, while highlighting diversity and inclusion–focused work and the people who make our company unique.
This monthlong celebration builds diversity and inclusion capabilities among the workforce and creates a platform for employees to speak up about their experiences.
“We’ve strengthened our commitment to making diversity and inclusion a central strategy to business growth.”
Celeste Warren Vice president, diversity & inclusion center of excellence
04.
Employee business resource groups (EBRGs)
With more than 21,500 members across 10 groups, our EBRGs play a critical role in driving an inclusive culture and supporting employee career growth. They represent diversity within our company and reflect the communities in which we live and serve.
“I’m proud of our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Marcos Roberto da Costa Vice president, operational excellence, MMD, and executive sponsor for MSD’s EBRG supporting colleagues with disabilities and their allies
“It has made us a more innovative and agile company — one that’s better attuned to the needs of our employees, patients and customers.”
Innovation
Our Q4 and full-year 2023 earnings report
February 1, 2024
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MSD’s Q4 and full-year 2023 results reflect sustained growth across oncology and vaccines. Our company announced Q4 worldwide sales of $14.6 billion, an increase of 6% from Q4 2022. Full-year 2023 worldwide sales were $60.1 billion, an increase of 1% from full-year 2022.
“2023 was another very strong year for MSD. I am extremely pleased by the progress we’ve made to develop and deliver transformative therapies and vaccines that will help save and improve lives around the world. We reached more than 500 million people with our medicines last year alone, over half of which were donations, including through our program to treat river blindness,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “We also made investments of approximately $30 billion in research and development in our ongoing effort to discover, develop and collaborate to propel the next generation of impactful innovations. As we move forward, I’m confident that our strong momentum will continue, underpinned by the unwavering dedication of our talented global team.”
MSD anticipates full-year 2024 worldwide sales to be between $62.7 billion and $64.2 billion.
Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q4 and full-year 2023 results.
‘Wonder Angie’ enlists her ‘super friends’ to fight oral cancer
After receiving an oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis, a head and neck cancer survivor finds hope by embracing science, prioritizing mental health and leaning on her work family
January 26, 2024
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In 2017, Maria Angelica Rosario Marquez — or Angie, as she likes to be called— joined MSD in Colombia as a clinical data specialist. She had lost her father the year before and was looking forward to starting a new chapter. The novelty of that first year, however, was short-lived, as her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
Angie spoke to her manager, and he encouraged her to put family first. She booked a ticket to Chile and was there to support her mother and sister during the illness and her mother’s passing.
Just five months later, 34-year-old Angie was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the oral cavity, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), nose (nasal cavity), sinuses (paranasal sinuses), and salivary glands. In 2020, nearly 932,000 people were diagnosed with a head and neck cancer globally. Some risk factors that may contribute to the development of head and neck cancer include tobacco use and alcohol consumption – but Angie’s disease was not linked to these typical risk factors.
It all started with pain in Angie’s tongue
Angie developed bruxism (grinding, clenching or gnashing of the teeth) and also noticed that she was continuously biting the same spot on her tongue while she was sleeping. She assumed it was due to stress caused by the devastation of losing both of her parents and her move to a new country without her family by her side. When the pain on the right side of her tongue increased to a point that made it difficult to eat or brush her teeth, her doctor decided to take a biopsy, and in March 2019, he informed her of the diagnosis.
“It was the most frightening thing I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said.
A week later, Angie had surgery to remove the right portion of her tongue, which contained the cancerous tissue, as well as 21 lymph nodes on the right side of her neck . A further analysis of the lymph nodes showed evidence of cancer, so her oncologist followed up with a treatment plan.
The toll of Angie’s treatment for oral cancer
Following her surgery and throughout treatment, Angie experienced a burning feeling in her mouth and throat, and it became extremely difficult for her to speak or eat – two of her favorite activities. Instead, she relied on a feeding tube for several months to receive her meals.
Though Angie was eventually able to resume eating normally, her sense of taste was impaired for a year after she finished treatment. The fact that chocolate, one of her favorite foods, tasted disgusting to her was heartbreaking.
“The doctor told me that he didn’t think I’d ever be able to speak well again. I told him that wasn’t an option because I love talking too much.”
— Angie Rosario
When Angie started to feel a deep depression, she prioritized her mental health and sought treatment from a psychologist, who taught her to focus on the present. Her psychologist encouraged her to visualize herself as a strong and healthy woman.
“I always say cancer was my teacher; It taught me how to live. If you have air in your lungs, you have everything you need,” Angie said.
Strong support and a welcome party from her work family
Angie is grateful for the science and research that helped play a part in her treatment. As of her last doctor’s visit, she remains healthy with no evidence of disease. Angie credits her work family at MSD for supporting her through much of her recovery. With the recent loss of her parents, her co-workers came to her aid with powerful emotional support that helped her through the toughest times. A lifelong collector of superhero toys, Angie came back to the office to find her desk covered in dolls, figurines and other gifts. Inspired by Angie’s courage, her colleagues even gave her a super-nickname: ‘Wonder Angie.’
“I’m thankful for the science and medicine that helped save my life,” Angie said. “I can talk without pain, and that’s amazing. I can brush my teeth every day, and that’s amazing. I can eat, and that’s amazing.”
Angie has recovered her sense of taste for the most part, and can enjoy chocolate once again.
We know how important it is to get medicines to the people who need them and providing those medicines is at the center of what we do
January 24, 2024
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In 2012, MSD unexpectedly became the sole manufacturer of OncoTICE® in many countries around the world. Increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. In recognition of the medical need for this product, MSD continues to operate at maximum production capacity. Due to the increasing global demand, MSD has been experiencing a supply shortage for OncoTICE.
In October 2020, we announced our plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina, U.S., to significantly expand our production capacity for OncoTICE. This investment reaffirms our longstanding commitment to producing this medicine, and all our medicines, for patients who need them.
If patients have questions regarding OncoTICE, they should speak with their physicians. Additional information related to the shortage, current allocation practices, and our efforts to increase supply, including construction of a new manufacturing site, is below.
FAQs: supply & availability of OncoTICE
What is the cause of the shortages and backorders for OncoTICE?
Since 2012, when MSD unexpectedly became the sole manufacturer of OncoTICE in many countries around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. While the company has many years of experience producing OncoTICE, this medicine has a lengthy and inherently complex manufacturing process.
Prior to 2012, additional manufacturers supplied the U.S. market with OncoTICE, with MSD providing 30-40% of overall U.S. supply. As other manufacturers exited the U.S. market in 2012, MSD became the sole supplier to the U.S. and increased production of OncoTICE to the full extent of MSD’s current manufacturing capacity. These efforts enabled MSD to double supply of OncoTICE to the U.S. market despite being the only manufacturer, in recognition of the medical need for this product.
Can you provide an update on the new facility?
MSD is working to complete this project and meet patient needs in as timely a manner as possible. While this commitment is an important step in making sure that adequate supply of OncoTICE is available, completing construction, inspection, and regulatory approvals of a manufacturing facility may take approximately five to six years in total.
Construction is well underway, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the new facility is on track to the previously announced timeline and will be completed by late 2025 to late 2026. Supply will gradually increase over time following local market review and approvals.
Once this new facility is fully operational, we expect to triple our current manufacturing capacity of OncoTICE. We anticipate that this will meet the needs of physicians and their patients for the foreseeable future. The investment in this new manufacturing facility reaffirms MSD’s longstanding commitment to producing this medicine for patients.
Can you please describe how the allocation process works outside the U.S.?
MSD allocates available supply among markets based on historical demand patterns. This process is designed to proportionally allocate OncoTICE to minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible.
Where can I find more information about the availability of OncoTICE??
Patients:
Patients should reach out to their physician, as they are in the best position to answer questions about the availability of the medicine in their practice, and can inquire about the quantity and timing of product availability with their supplier.
Health care professionals:
Health care professionals with questions regarding allocation should contact their wholesaler or distributor.
How one woman embraced life, marriage and motherhood despite her cervical cancer diagnosis and its return
January 11, 2024
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Several years ago, Christine Granado was living happily in New Jersey with her fiancé and then-9-year-old son, but she felt something wasn’t right.
In the span of a year, she lost three pregnancies. The first miscarriage came as a total shock. With the second, she felt confused. After the third, she was afraid something was terribly wrong. She decided to go for a routine checkup. While undergoing a series of tests ordered by her OB-GYN, she got surprising news: she was diagnosed with stage IIB squamous cell cervical cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. At just 28, Christine said she felt disbelief.
“How can I have cancer at this age?” she asked herself. “I remember peeking through my bangs, feeling like I was trying to hide behind them.”
Young women are at risk for cervical cancer, too
Granado wasn’t alone in asking herself that question. Cervical cancer is more likely to affect women under 45 globally than most other cancers. In 2020, it was estimated that about 604,127 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 341,831 women died from the disease. Screenings may help to detect cervical changes before they become cancerous. In several western countries where screenings are routinely conducted, the incidence rates of cervical cancer have decreased by 50% or more over the past 50 years.
Beginning her cancer treatment journey
Granado started treatment as soon as possible. She was prepared for physical side effects but was overwhelmed by the other changes that soon followed, including how she felt about losing her fertility. She and her partner discussed preserving her eggs but decided against it as doing so would have delayed her treatment.
Granado’s cancer went into remission for three years, and she found joy again: She and her fiancé got married and decided to have a baby via surrogate.
The shock of a recurring cancer diagnosis
Then, soon before her son was born, Granado started having unexplained chest pains. A CT scan found enlarged lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
“When I got the recurrence diagnosis, I was devastated. It was hard to hear, but it motivated me to finish things, to contact a lawyer and get things in my kids’ names — to think about life after me,” she said.
It also motivated her to continue with more treatments. During her second round of treatment, Granado was able to welcome her new son. When she saw him, she took him in her arms: “I bawled my eyes out.”
A focus on mental health
In addition to her son’s arrival, Granado said a focus on herself has sharpened her resolve to live her best life. When the cancer came back, she grieved for her life. She would cry and sleep all day. Her depression stopped her from enjoying precious time with her family.
“The most disabling thing I dealt with was the depression,” she said. “There were days when I would feel physically OK, but I’d still stay in bed all day.” Thankfully, Granado had the support of a psychologist and a psychiatrist who helped her feel well again.
Cervical cancer won’t stop her from living her best life
Granado has been able to complete a master’s degree in health leadership, and her family has a new border collie named Harry. Even everyday activities like going to the hardware store and winding down with a book mean so much more now. She appreciates the small details, like watching TV with her son on the couch.
“Life has been amazingly boring,” she says. “In a good way.”
Granado said she hopes her story will inspire women and give them hope that there’s so much life to be lived — including the boring moments — in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
Empowering others to speak up about HPV-related cancers
The impact of Gina’s diagnosis inspired her to help others prioritize their health
January 9, 2024
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After 20 years of normal cervical screenings,* Gina Esposito was confident her next routine screening wouldn’t be any different. So, when she was diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical precancer at 47 years old, she was surprised.
“The sinking feeling I had when I received my diagnosis was intense because I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.
*A cervical screening, often referred to as a pap test or pap smear, looks for precancers or cell changes that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.
The impact of HPV-related cancers and diseases
More than 80% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it could cause certain cancers and diseases.
After her diagnosis, Esposito underwent a procedure to remove the abnormal cells from her cervix. When a follow-up test showed that there were still some abnormal cells present, she consulted with a doctor and decided to get a hysterectomy.
At first, she felt embarrassed by her diagnosis. As she started to share her story, she noticed that others felt ashamed to speak about HPV-related cancers and diseases. She knew something had to change.
“I have a newfound responsibility to take the stigma away, to say ‘the shame has to go away,’ whether you’re a woman or a man,” Esposito said.
Throughout her experience, she says her daughter has been a source of strength.
“You don’t want your child to be without you or to experience the loss of a parent. You want to be around for all of their milestones and they want you around,” Esposito said. “So, she keeps me motivated because there’s an expectation that mom’s going to be around.”
“I try to be a positive disruptor in this space and normalize it so that people go for early screenings and routine screenings and that they get treatment if they need it.”
— Gina Esposito
The importance of routine care
In some ways, Esposito considers herself lucky. Her commitment to prioritizing routine care helped her catch her disease early.
“I’m so glad I took the time to go to my screening – it helped catch my disease early,” she said.
Esposito is working to ensure her daughter also prioritizes getting routine care and understands the value of prioritizing her health, especially as she approaches adulthood.
“She knows you need to own your own health because no one else is going to do it for you,” she said. Esposito encourages colleagues across our company to prioritize their health, too.
Esposito plans to continue helping men and women feel comfortable discussing HPV-related disease and get the preventative care they need.
“When I talk with others, I focus on what happened to me so they can use it as an example,” Esposito said. “I get people emailing me, texting me, going, ‘I’m going to make my appointment today.’ And if we can have one person that we get early, then my job is done.”
Biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions in certain cancers
An oncologist explains why cancer biomarkers may provide more precise information about a person's cancer
January 4, 2024
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Over the past 20+ years, there’s been an evolution in how we think about cancer. Cancer biomarkers — substances produced by tumor cells that reflect unique features of a tumor — can change the approach to certain cancers.
Advances in biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions
It wasn’t long ago when conversations were about simply “breast cancer” or “lung cancer.” Now, physicians can get a lot more precise.
“We’ve come to understand that two people with the same type of cancer may have differences in the specific changes in the genes, proteins and other substances that may allow cancer cells to grow and spread.”
Dr. Scott Pruitt Associate vice president, early-stage development, clinical oncology, MSD Research Laboratories
“The field of breast cancer research was arguably the first to realize that there are multiple cancer subtypes and that biomarker testing could help inform therapy,” said Pruitt.
In the treatment of breast cancer, understanding various tumor biomarkers and pairing that understanding to help guide selection of relevant medicines has helped physicians evaluate potential treatment approaches. And the same is true in lung cancer where understanding tumor biomarkers has been used to help guide therapy aimed at targeting certain genetic mutations.
Biomarkers may help us understand a cancer better and how to approach it. That’s why biomarker testing may be an important next step after a cancer diagnosis.
Key terms to know:
Biomarker: a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition found in blood or tissues.
Biomarker testing: medical tests to look for measurable indicators (genes, proteins and other substances) that may provide information about a biological state or condition.
Biopsy: the removal of cells or tissue for examination.
Genetic testing: medical tests to look for certain mutations in a person’s genes that may be a sign of a disease or condition.
Biomarker testing after a cancer diagnosis
Blood test
Biopsy of the tumor
Testing for proteins and/or genes to look for known biomarkers
Biomarker testing and genetic testing may enable detailed characterization of some cancers
Some biomarker tests can find inherited genetic changes that you may have been born with that may increase your risk of cancer or other diseases. Genetic testing might help determine if you have certain mutations (for example, the BRCA gene) which could help inform treatment options.
MSD has been at the forefront of research to advance the understanding of biomarkers for certain cancers.
"We're fully invested in leveraging biomarker data to help inform cancer care."
— Dr. Scott Pruitt
“Across our oncology studies in every phase of development, we continue to incorporate multiple biomarker approaches to more fully understand biology as well as identify new targets of interest,” Pruitt said.
Discussing biomarker testing with a health care provider
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to ask your doctor about biomarker testing. Start with these questions which may help you prepare for conversations with your doctor:
Is biomarker testing appropriate for the type of cancer that I have?
If there’s a chance my cancer was caused by an inherited risk factor, should I undergo further testing?
Stomach cancer: understanding the signs and symptoms
Learn more about stomach cancer risk factors and our commitment to patients
November 22, 2023
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What causes stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. The most common form of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops when glandular cells in the innermost lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably.
How common is stomach cancer?
Worldwide, there were more than one million patients diagnosed with stomach cancer and an estimated 768,793 patient deaths from the disease in 2020.
Who’s at risk for stomach cancer?
Anybody can be diagnosed with stomach cancer; however, it’s almost twice as common in men, and most people are older than 55 when diagnosed.
You may also have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer if you:
Have had a Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, which is an infection of the stomach, that commonly causes stomach ulcers.
Are overweight or obese.
Have a diet high in salty, smoked, pickled or salt-preserved foods and/or high in processed or grilled meats. Eating few or no fruits likely increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.
Use tobacco.
Have had previous stomach surgery or health conditions, such as low stomach acid and bile reflux.
What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?
Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms, which is why most cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Fatigue.
Heartburn, indigestion and anemia.
Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, jaundice or weight loss without trying.
Poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with or without blood or feeling full after a small meal.
Blood in stool.
Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you’re at risk for stomach cancer.
If you have questions about stomach cancer and its symptoms, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
Q: Can young people be diagnosed with stomach cancer? A: While the majority of stomach cancer patients are over 55 years old, it’s important to know that younger people can also be diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nearly 5% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer are under 40 years old.
Q: How do doctors determine the stage of a stomach cancer? A: When someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer, doctors will conduct tests, such as endoscopic procedures, biopsies and imaging, to help determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. By staging stomach cancer, doctors can determine how serious the cancer is and the best way to treat it.
“When facing a stomach cancer diagnosis, some patients may have existing misconceptions about the disease or be unsure about what this diagnosis will mean for them."
— Dr. Pooja Bhagia
GI clinical research scientist, MSD Research Laboratories
“Having an open conversation with your doctor about your questions and concerns may help reduce worry and help you understand what to expect in your cancer journey,” she added.
Harnessing innovative technology in drug discovery
MSD scientists explain how new technologies can accelerate the drug discovery process as we use the power of leading edge science to save and improve lives
November 16, 2023
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Our scientists are leveraging state-of-the-art capabilities to discover novel molecules that may lead to the medicines of tomorrow.
MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) scientists evaluate hundreds to thousands to up to billions of compounds to find a starting point for a new drug candidate. It all starts with identifying a target — usually a protein — that’s intrinsically associated with a particular disease and can be pharmacologically modulated. That’s where innovative tools like structure-based design, high-throughput screening and high-throughput experimentation, coupled with robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning can make a huge difference in progressing the work. And once a lead molecule is identified, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as an emerging structural method can be used to understand and improve how a molecule interacts with the protein target.
Utilizing the latest technologies and diligent work by teams of highly skilled and experienced scientists can potentially accelerate the discovery of new medicines for patients in need.
“We have an incredibly creative, smart and hardworking workforce. It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of that and to have access to the resources necessary for making scientific breakthroughs.”
Meet these young advocates helping to lead the response to HIV around the world
November 13, 2023
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HIV remains a global pandemic. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide were newly diagnosed with HIV.
MSD has been committed to advancing science for the treatment and prevention of HIV for more than 35 years, but we know it takes all of us to make a difference for the HIV community.
And that’s just what these International AIDS Society (IAS) Young Leaders are doing. In 2022, our company was proud to be one of the groups to support 11 Young Leaders to co-create the Youth Hub — a youth-led networking platform that empowers young change-makers living with and affected by HIV to lead in the HIV response. They’re an inspiring group of advocates with different backgrounds and experiences in the response to HIV, each striving to empower and educate others from their respective corners of the globe.
Let’s meet some of these young change-makers.
Norman Chong | Malaysia
Norman Chong is using their gift of storytelling to encourage young people across the world to ask “Why?” Chong has been working to develop a solution-oriented platform to help address gaps in the HIV response for young people in Malaysia.
With their platform, called “We Ask the Y (WAY)”, Chong aims to provide tools for young people living with and affected by HIV to learn and network in support of social health, as well as economic and political justice. Chong also trains young researchers to translate and communicate findings into evidence-informed policies and practices to address barriers to health care for young people.
“If I have anything at all, it’s anchored on moving the dial with the question, “Why?”, and advocating for health care to be accessible to all, for policies designed to protect and empower, and never to divide and conquer.”
Norman Chong
Linda Joseph Robert | Uganda
Dismantling HIV stigma to support young people is the motivation for everything Linda Joseph Robert does. As a youth advocate, he helps to promote increased access to quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health services for young people through peer support interventions, community engagements and strategic partnerships. His passion for youth advocacy, activism and HIV-related programming came to life when he led a campaign to help reduce HIV stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a young person living with HIV, Robert is driven to help increase access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Robert has held leadership positions including the role of youth advocate at AIDS Healthcare Foundation-Uganda Cares, and serves as a U=U Africa Forum Ambassador in Uganda.
“I’m motivated by the progress that has been made in the HIV field and excited to be part of the next generation of HIV professionals who will continue the journey toward ending the AIDS pandemic, where no one is left behind.”
Linda Joseph Robert
Elizabeth Onyango | Kenya
UKIMWI UNAUA is a term Elizabeth Onyango and others in Kenya know too well. Translated to “HIV kills,” this phrase influenced Onyango’s perception of HIV at a young age — as the messaging around HIV in her country was mostly about death and fear. Growing up, she lost close family and friends to HIV and saw how cultural beliefs and practices exposed young women and girls to HIV. It wasn’t until she went to high school that Onyango learned about ways to protect against HIV, which helped reduce the fear she grew up with — and sparked an interest in HIV prevention.
After high school, she volunteered at a female sex worker-led organization that champions human and health rights of sex workers. Today, Onyango continues to encourage young women to take action to ensure they have a say in decisions about their health.
“My goal is to champion meaningful engagement of women and girls in HIV prevention and advocate for structural changes to improve the quality of life of women living with HIV.”
Elizabeth Onyango
Isaac Ogunkola | Nigeria
A background in public health has given Isaac Ogunkola deep insight into the world of infectious diseases, especially HIV. His passion for HIV advocacy became clear after volunteering to encourage harm reduction for people who use drugs and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights programming for homeless children, refugees and young people.
Having witnessed young people in his community die as a result of drug overdose and HIV, Ogunkola is committed to unifying public health, harm reduction and human rights. Through his peer education project, he engages young refugees in West Africa to lead HIV prevention programs in their communities.
“I don’t want to see death in any age group or population caused by HIV or drug overdose again.”
Isaac Ogunkola
Ashley Rose Murphy | Canada
Ashley Murphy was 7 years old when her adoptive parents told her she was living with HIV. By age 10, Murphy began to speak publicly about living with HIV, talking to young people around the world about the stigma around HIV and how to protect and advocate for themselves. She’s been a key voice for youth activists engaged in the HIV response in Canada ever since presenting at the U.N. General Assembly and the Global Fund, and even hosting a TED Talk.
Today, Murphy is an ambassador for several foundations committed to ending the AIDS epidemic through research, government-funded programs, global advocacy, prevention, testing and treatment options. Murphy remains an inspiration for young Canadians living with or affected by HIV.
“I want everyone to know that an HIV diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. We can continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives, but it starts with educating yourself about your diagnosis and, most importantly, being your own advocate.”
Ashley Rose Murphy
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu | Zimbabwe
Paul Ndhlovu has been using his voice to help young people living with and vulnerable to HIV in his native Zimbabwe for years. He’s produced a peer-led radio show as the creative radio champion for Zvandiri, an organization that “connects children and young people living with HIV with peer counselors to help assure health, happiness and hope.”
In his role, Ndhlovu — together with other adolescents and young people — has created a youth-friendly environment for people living with HIV to freely discuss challenges and issues in their own lives. The show explains to young people the importance of HIV prevention behaviors, the need for increased HIV testing, their sexual and reproductive rights, and available resources to help with mental health and well-being needs.
“The Zvandiri Radio Show is such an important platform. We’re providing an open forum for people living with HIV to freely come as themselves and talk about any challenges they may face.”
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu
Stefano Regner | Philippines
Stefano Regner’s schedule is always busy, and as a physiotherapist and sexual health advocate, his work revolves around helping others.
As a trained HIV screener, counselor, and speaker, Regner is constantly on the move — traveling across the Philippines to help link people living with HIV to immediate care and empowering people when it comes to understanding safer sex. He’s also been a research assistant for one of the Philippines’ largest grassroots HIV test-and-treat centers.
And today, as both a medical student and a social media influencer, Regner provides educational resources for people living with HIV, using health campaigns and videos.
“Social media provides a new platform and method to translate and communicate important topics about health and increasing health literacy. I enjoy sharing key information with my followers, especially as it relates to sexual and reproductive health among at-risk populations in the Philippines.”
Stefano Regner
Kalisito Biaukula | Fiji
Kalisito Biaukula’s motivation to give a voice to the voiceless and speak up for those in need is evidenced by their work across their island nation of Fiji and surrounding regions.
As an intersectional, queer, feminist activist and human rights defender, Biaukula has worked with various civil society organizations addressing intersecting human rights issues for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, in Asia and the Pacific.
Biaukula is a major advocate for people living with and impacted by HIV, fighting to ensure they receive the proper care and government assistance, and calling for comprehensive sexuality education at all levels.
“It’s important for young people, especially those living in the Asia-Pacific region, to take a leading role in decisions that affect our bodies. We must all use our voices to stand up for human rights and ensure all populations are receiving equal opportunities to access care.”
Kalisito Biaukula
Sara Thapa Magar | Nepal
From a young age, Sara Magar developed an interest in social issues related to women and children living with HIV. This passion eventually led her to advocate for the needs and rights of affected populations living in the Asia-Pacific region.
Magar has been a board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Asia & Pacific (ICWAP) and has also spoken publicly about the need to support women-led organizations. In her current role as president of the National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (NFWLHA) in Nepal, Magar works to tackle gender inequalities and end gender-based violence.
“As youth leaders, we need to continue bringing these issues to the forefront and work to partner with the government and advocacy groups to address the challenges of women and children living with HIV.”
Sara Thapa Magar
The future is in good hands with these young leaders, advocates and activists, and we’re excited to continue to watch the impact they make on their local and global communities. To learn more about this youth-led collaboration, visit the IAS Youth Hub.
