Transforming women’s health through partnerships and action

XProject is Roche’s enduring commitment to advance women’s health. By forging strategic partnerships, funding critical initiatives and addressing gaps in healthcare, XProject aims to improve health outcomes for women globally. Our mission is to challenge the status quo, raise tough conversations and pave the way for systemic change that benefits not just women but everyone.
In 2024, XProject highlighted the importance of collaboration through the Changemaker Series — an inspiring community of individuals working towards better healthcare for women. These pioneers strive tirelessly to break barriers and champion equitable healthcare. Their work demonstrates the power of dedication and innovation in healthcare and showcases the transformative impact on millions of lives.
Diana Calva, Director of Clinical Laboratory and Complementary Studies at Salud Digna, Mexico, brings innovative HPV testing to the forefront. Inspired by her mother’s late-stage cancer diagnosis, Diana partnered with Roche to offer 600,000 free HPV tests to Mexican women, diagnosing over 2,000 cervical cancer cases and modernising diagnostic methods. Diana emphasises multi-sectoral alliances and personalised medicine in advancing women’s health.
David Strasorier, a professor at the University of Córdoba, Argentina, challenges conventional healthcare models by establishing comprehensive women’s counselling units. By 2023, David’s initiative had established 14 units, certified 58 counsellors and assisted over 7,170 women on issues such as sexual health and gender violence. He emphasises collective inspiration and evolving healthcare education, driving significant changes in community health.
Luis Sánchez, an oncologist at Santa Rosa Hospital in Piura, Peru, leads the Encaminadas project, integrating cancer awareness, screening and treatment in impoverished regions. Luis aims to dismantle cultural barriers hindering cancer prevention and care. Encaminadas has doubled consultation rates, improved access to advanced treatments and strengthened community support systems, significantly enhancing cancer care delivery.
Tebogo Maimela, a nurse and entrepreneur in Gauteng, South Africa, introduced a pioneering healthcare model through the Unjani Clinic Network. Her nurse-operated clinic offers extended hours and affordable primary care, providing essential services to women facing barriers like limited clinic access. Supported by Roche, Tebogo’s clinic emphasises early diagnosis and preventive care, ensuring timely treatment for conditions such as breast cancer.
Ashley Gregory, director at FAIR Time for Women Coalition in the US, sheds light on the often overlooked haemophilia in women. After her own diagnosis, Ashley’s coalition, with Roche’s support, works to enhance diagnosis and treatment for women with bleeding disorders by developing educational toolkits and advocating for federal funding and inclusive research.
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