Access to essential medicines can make a world of difference for many people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through our Access to Healthcare team, Amgen is committed to removing barriers that limit access to prevention, treatment and relevant services, so that people can live their healthiest lives. Amgen Breda plays a crucial role in packaging and distributing cancer treatments to the relevant countries.
Focus on Collaboration and Impact Every year, 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, but the chance of survival is a geographical lottery. In low and middle-income countries fewer than 3 in 10 children with cancer have a successful treatment outcome1 compared to 8 in 10 in high-income countries like here in the Netherlands.2 There are many highly effective medicines that can address the most treatable forms of cancer but accessing them is a challenge, due to various reasons, including availability, government funding, high out-of-pocket costs, and others.
Amgen’s Access to Healthcare team collaborates with international organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and World Child Cancer. Together, we provide innovative solutions, with a specific focus on health systems strengthening actions, as well as strategic medicines donations where appropriate, to ensure that our program investments focus on implementation change and better health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Sean Lybrand, Executive Director and Head of Access to Healthcare team at Amgen, highlights the importance of these efforts: "Access to healthcare is often assumed to be a fundamental human right, but in low- and middle-income countries it is often aspirational. While basic healthcare may be available, there are many barriers, and for more complex conditions such as cancer, treatment options may be quite limited. By working with partners on critical health needs, we seek to complement and improve local health systems delivery, including relevant medicines, to support health systems to deliver better outcomes.
The Contribution of Amgen Breda Amgen Breda plays a key role in the success of the program. The team is responsible for carefully packaging and preparing cancer treatments for distribution via qualified logistics partners. These medicines are used in various programs, including some focused on pediatric oncology. The processes in Breda ensure that the medicines meet the highest quality standards and are delivered on time, even to remote, challenging and difficult-to-reach areas. Through close collaboration with international partners, Amgen Breda is able to quickly respond to the specific needs of local healthcare systems.
Vincent Hinssen, Supply Chain Liaison, emphasizes the importance of this work: "At Amgen Breda, we combine our logistical expertise with a deep sense of responsibility. It is rewarding to know that our work has a direct impact on the lives of patients around the world."
A Future of Access and Equality The Access to Healthcare team aims to strengthen local healthcare systems, and where relevant also provide Amgen medicines. Through public awareness training, training of healthcare iprofessionals, capacity building, and collaboration, we aim to create sustainable infrastructures that have a lasting impact. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to improving health outcomes for people around the world, regardless of where they live or the challenges they face. By tackling barriers to healthcare access and addressing systemic inequalities, we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead healthier lives. We remain committed to making progress, one step at a time.
Visit for more information on the Access to Healthcare program here.
References
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1https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children?utm_source=chatgpt.com (4 february 2025), consulted 5 february 2025
2Kika, https://kika.nl/actueel/genezingskans-kinderen-met-kanker-stijgt (february 2023), consulted 5 february 2025