Women in Pharma: Delivering on global access to medicines

Our monthly Women in Pharma series highlights the influential lives and works of impactful women working across the pharmaceutical industry, and how the industry can work towards making the healthcare industry and workplace more equitable and inclusive.

1. Could you please give a brief introduction to yourself and your work?

I am a Zambian medical doctor, researcher, and advocate for equity in the pharmaceutical industry. I’m passionate about improving health outcomes for diverse populations, through innovation, science and collaboration to address pressing health challenges. My career journey reflects this commitment, spanning clinical practice, research, and non-profit advocacy.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Privolzhsky Research Medical University in Russia. After serving as a clinician in Botswana and Zambia, I pursued a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences by Research at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with top honours as a Beit Trust Scholar. My research work at the University of Edinburgh focused on understanding immune responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), to contribute to the development of effective and affordable medications for underprivileged populations.

I also co-founded Bupalo, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing holistic care for differently abled children in Zambia, ensuring they achieve good health as defined by WHO standards. Additionally, as a member of the Communications and Outreach Committee for the International Association of Music and Medicine, I help amplify research in the field of music therapy, furthering my dedication to meeting the needs of underrepresented groups.

As a Human Factors Consultant at ClariMed, I specialise in conducting human factors research on medical devices to enhance their usability and safety. Beyond my core responsibilities, I channel my advocacy efforts toward promoting globally inclusive human factors engineering strategies for medical devices, ensuring these devices are accessible to diverse populations and adaptable to various healthcare systems, including those in low- and middle-income countries. My experiences across Southern Africa and other regions have deeply shaped my dedication to inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in healthcare delivery.

2. What inspired you to focus on pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices in your advocacy for global access to usability?

My inspiration stems from my first-hand experiences as a clinician in Southern Africa, where I frequently encountered challenges with medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging that were not designed with the unique needs of our healthcare systems and communities in mind. These challenges spanned various departments, from the operating theatre – where devices required extensive training and high maintenance to function effectively – to the neonatology department, where equipment like CPAP machines often failed to meet the specific requirements of our patients and environments.

These frustrations highlighted a significant gap in usability and accessibility that affects both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve. Each challenge drove me to ask questions, seek solutions, and strive for better outcomes. As a result, I became deeply motivated to advocate for packaging and medical devices that are thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of global populations, ensuring that no one is excluded due to design flaws or oversight.

3. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Firstly, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. At every stage of my career, collaboration has been a key driver of success. The saying, "No man is an island," resonates deeply with me – building the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare systems we envision requires like-minded individuals coming together to pursue shared goals. Never underestimate the transformative impact of collaboration.

Another invaluable lesson is the significance of mentorship. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and encourage you to dream big is a game-changer. A great mentor doesn’t try to mould you into a version of themselves but instead provides the guidance and space for you to reach your full potential. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to embrace my ideas and pursue my aspirations unapologetically, and I strive to do the same for my mentees.

Open-mindedness is another lesson I have learned over the years. There’s a Bemba (a local language in Zambia) proverb, “Umwana ashenda atasha nyina ukunaya,” which translates to, “A child who is not exposed to the world thinks their mother is the best cook.” Exposure to different ideas, cultures, and practices broadens your perspective and fuels innovation. It deepens your understanding of global similarities and differences, enabling you to harness both to create more inclusive environments.

I’ve also learned the importance of having a cause and a clear vision. The pharmaceutical industry is complex, with competing interests often taking centre-stage. Remaining anchored to an inclusive, people-centred vision ensures that your work has lasting and meaningful impact and encourages you to be faithful to your work because you are moving in an intentional direction.

Lastly, progress requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth often comes from taking risks and learning along the way. It’s better to try and adapt than to hold back and stay stagnant.

4. What would you like to see change in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries regarding drug delivery and devices?

Equity needs to be at the forefront of change. Devices and drug delivery systems should reflect the diverse needs of patients and healthcare providers worldwide. It’s critical that these innovations are accessible to everyone, ensuring solutions are not confined to specific regions, demographics, or economic groups.

I would like to see a greater degree of collaboration across continents to design products and develop packaging that is more intuitive, inclusive, and thoughtful. This means considering cultural, linguistic, and environmental factors to ensure these systems work seamlessly in different contexts.

Additionally, I’d also like to see greater inclusion of end-users – patients, caregivers, and clinicians – at every stage of the design and development process. By actively involving those who will interact with these products daily, we can ensure solutions are not only innovative, but practical, user-friendly, and effective for everyone, everywhere.

5. How have you seen the pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices sector change to accommodate for global access to drug products?

There have been noticeable changes and progress in the pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices sector, particularly in fostering conversations around inclusivity. These discussions are happening at various levels, signifying an important shift. Every significant change begins with an idea, and the evidence of these ideas lies in the questions being raised and in the conversations taking place, marking meaningful progress. However, while these discussions are encouraging, much work remains to be done.

I've also observed individuals and organisations proposing and executing innovative solutions within their respective domains. One such organisation I've had the privilege of engaging with is Vayu Global Health Innovations. They are pushing boundaries by developing tailored technologies to meet the unique needs of patients, environments, and systems that would benefit greatly from such innovations. It’s inspiring to see action being taken to improve access and inclusivity in this sector. However, more attention needs to be given to these efforts at a system level.

Key stakeholders must collaborate at a system level to address these gaps – from the design and testing phases to final implementation. Real, lasting change will require sustained commitment and collaboration across the industry.

6. If you could give one piece of advice to Future Women Leaders of Pharma, what would you say?

Your cause matters, your ideas matter, and your voice matters. Never underestimate the power of your contributions. You have the potential to create a ripple effect that transforms the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries – but for that to happen, you must share your vision boldly.

Commit to your vision with drive, passion, and intentionality. Stay grounded in the belief that what you are working towards is worthwhile. Even when progress feels slow, develop “staying power” – the resilience to persevere. All great leaders demonstrate this quality.

The world needs your innovation, perspective, and leadership to build a more equitable and inclusive future in pharma and healthcare.

Have a story to share about diversity, equity, and inclusion in pharma? Contact vivian.xie@informa.com to learn how you can contribute to our Women in Pharma series.