Finalist
SHE Programme (Strong, HIV Positive, Empowered women) – Closes the information gap impacting women living with HIV
Summary of work
In Europe, the number of women living with HIV is rising. However, research showed a lack of resources for women, leaving a gap between diagnosis and informed healthcare. To address this, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), with its agency, developed SHE (Strong, HIV positive, Empowered women) – the first-ever European integrated patient and medical education programme aimed at women living with or affected by HIV.
SHE helps to make women feel in control of their disease, while also facilitating communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, SHE influenced change in European Parliament’s policy by acknowledging women for the first time.
Judges’ comments
It is very hard to find something that works in various European countries and this programme does. A campaign with a clear, distinct patient benefit – identifying a proper need and doing something about it. This is one I would like to have done.
Testimonials and Judges’ comments
External communications manager: The programme is unique and innovative; the tremendous outcomes to date confirm that women living with HIV were in need of a programme like SHE. As a biopharmaceutical company committed to patients, Bristol-Myers Squibb is focusing not only on scientific excellence, research and development of high-quality medicines but also, we are engaged to support programmes such as SHE, which aims to empower people living with HIV to get the most of out of healthcare services.
HIV healthcare professional: SHE is truly innovative in its approach—offering European healthcare providers a tangible resource for women following an HIV diagnosis—a resource that is accurate, scientific but also incredibly personal.
