Highly commended
Gilead Community Awards: Driving Health Equity and Strengthening Communities
by 67health for Gilead
Summary of work
With charities facing immense challenges over the past few years and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating health inequalities for vulnerable populations, Gilead recognised a need to bring together diverse community groups – working across HIV, liver diseases and oncology – to focus on a common goal, working towards health equity for all. This resulted in the inaugural Gilead Community Awards, taking place on 8-9 November 2023 in Madrid, Spain. It was a two-day, in-person event, convening almost 100 grantees (non-profit groups who had received a grant from Gilead) from Australia, Canada and Europe. The event was driven and co-created by the community, to meet true unmet needs and have long-lasting impact, with a strong focus on diverse community representation, with the aim of inspiring change and bringing the most vulnerable populations to care. The event centred on bi-directional learning via expert speakers, peer-to-peer learning and best practice sharing, as well as, through the delivery of an awards programme that recognised and celebrated the exceptional contribution of Gilead grantees. Based on a live poll at the closing session of the event, 99% of attendees said they will implement changes as a direct result of the meeting.
Judges’ comments
The judges all agreed that programmes like this should be applauded and deserved recognition. They liked the approach this event took to cross-pollination across different therapy areas, using media outreach to further this aspect. It was impressive to see the methodology for appraisals and plan to implement long-term change, with strong commitment and intent behind the meeting. It was a great event in terms of altruism, with charity support. A winner on every level for stakeholders, which was fantastic.
