We know that health is more than merely the absence of disease. It's a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. We know that poor health is often driven by many factors. At Roche, we’re committed to providing health solutions that go beyond specific disease treatments and diagnostics. It’s time to take care of the whole person, not just the disease.
A key example of such a solution started ten years ago in Brazil, when Roche formed a partnership with the social startup
In trying to identify the root cause of the poor outcomes in cervical cancer, the initiative found the answer was not a simple one. Key to the issue was a lack of specialist physicians, with those that did exist mostly based in larger cities, often miles from the more vulnerable communities. This was made worse by a widespread taboo around gynaecological exams, as well as certain societal factors like single motherhood or poverty, which stopped women from seeking care. All of this combined not only meant slower testing, diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer specifically but also impacted the general health of the women in these communities.
As understanding of these issues deepened, the project expanded beyond disease-centric approaches, into a broader initiative that would anticipate the nuanced needs of women and create health solutions that are as individual as the women they serve.
Anariá isn’t just about providing health, it’s about the way we provide health. That is the big difference.
The Anariá Project is a holistic solution; one that not only addresses the specific medical issues of women in these areas but their overall wellbeing and safety.
We are working with SAS Brasil to enhance existing processes and expertise in order to provide faster and more complete care.
The solutions include:
More efficient processes, offering patients multiple gynaecological tests in one day - sometimes using mobile testing units - with their results returned quickly, meaning minimal disruption to their lives with less time spent travelling to appointments.
Systems that accelerate referrals and diagnoses, ensuring the relevant imagery is captured in her medical record during an exam when a woman gets an abnormal test result.
Educational initiatives to eliminate taboos around gynaecological exams and increase testing rates
“One thing we’re particularly proud of is that these innovations are done in partnership with the existing services, instead of creating new platforms”, explained Adriana. “This means everything can stay in the same place and health providers benefit from the learnings and information collected by the collaboration with SAS Brasil, to continue to improve patient outcomes.”
The Anariá project has made a real and lasting impact throughout the communities it has served so far. As of 2022, almost 9,000 women had undergone cervical cancer testing as part of the programme, with more than 25,000 consultations. Almost 1,000 cases of HPV were identified, more than 400 surgeries were performed, and almost 100 cases of cancer were diagnosed.
Within these statistics lie personal stories of impact that bring the true value of the project to life. “In one of the cities where the project was ongoing, the initiatives promoted by the SAS Brazil team resulted in the head of the nursing team being tested, and ultimately diagnosed with an advanced stage of cervical cancer,” said Adriana. “The more efficient processes meant she was able to be referred for surgery and the tumour was successfully removed. This exemplifies the success and meaning of the whole project.”
In addition to all these components of the programme, Roche employees can contribute to the Anariá project further by volunteering to support with implementing the action.
What drives us with this partnership is the convergence of values between Roche and SAS Brasil, where quality of care and collaboration are prioritised, with a hope to expand this initiative on a national scale.