Sanofi joins forces with Rainbow Across Borders to launch award initiative
Paris-based pharmaceutical firm Sanofi has joined hands with Rainbow Across Borders to launch the Sanofi-Rainbow Across Borders Asia Pacific Award, the first award of its kind in the region to recognise patient groups for their increasing role in helping
Any patient group in the Asia Pacific Region that has been established for more than two years and conducts activities benefiting more than 50 patients, is encouraged to submit their past and ongoing projects on PIPH.com – Partners in Patient Health Digital Collaborative Platform – a new online community hosted by Sanofi.
A judging panel consisting of representatives from leading patient groups will evaluate the submissions based on project design, impact and outcome, as well as learning derived from the project. This, combined with ratings by peer patient groups on PIPH.com, will decide Top 10 patient groups, which will be announced later this year.
“Sanofi is proud to team up with Rainbow Across Borders – Asia’s first regional patient alliance – to launch this Award,” said Dr Jean-Luc Lowinski, senior vice president of Sanofi Asia.
“It is a great way to bring patient groups together to exchange experience and learn from each other. The knowledge and insight will no doubt benefit patients, to whom we share our commitment with Rainbow Across Boarders,” Lowinski said.
Patient groups are playing an increasing role in helping and empowering patients to take control of their conditions and better manage their health. Depending on different countries and different disease areas, the activities of patient groups range from health education, peer-to-peer support programs, and in-hospital counselling to advocating policies to ensuring healthcare decision makers incorporate patient’s perspective.
“While managing chronic diseases becomes challenging in the Asia Pacific Region, the role of patient advocacy has evolved leaning towards to improvements for a patient centric approach. We are excited to partner with Sanofi in enhancing patients’ wellbeing by connecting patient groups across the region via an interactive platform,” said Rajakanth Raman, executive director of Rainbow Across Borders.
Established in February, 2015, RAB is Asia’s first regional patient support group alliance, which promotes collaboration and networking among patient support organisations. This award brings together Sanofi’s promise in meeting patients’ needs and the expertise of Rainbow Across Borders in improving quality of life of patients and their families, who are challenged by chronic or life-threatening conditions.
