The APPIS Innovator Program 2024 has concluded with an impressive showcase of 49 entries from 21 countries, each addressing critical barriers to healthcare access through innovative health literacy and policy-shaping initiatives. This year, three standout programs from Australia, South Africa, and the Philippines have been selected as winners, demonstrating exceptional commitment and impact in their communities.

So Brave - Australia’s Young Women’s Breast Cancer Charity

So Brave, the only young women's breast cancer charity in Australia, unites young breast cancer survivors to share their experiences and raise awareness among women aged 15-40. Through workshops and leadership programs, So Brave educates young women about breast health and the importance of early detection. Their ongoing collaboration with schools and universities has significantly impacted participants' understanding of breast cancer. Partnering with the APPIS Innovator Program will allow So Brave to expand its reach and fill a crucial gap in health literacy and advocacy.

Rachelle Panitz, Managing Director and Founder of So Brave, stated, "We are honoured to win the APPIS Innovator Program award. This recognition empowers us to scale our education and awareness programs, making a lasting impact on the young women of Australia."

For more information, visit: sobrave.org.au

Breast Health Foundation - South Africa

The Breast Health Foundation (BHF) in South Africa is dedicated to combating breast cancer through education, awareness, and support services. In the past year, BHF has educated over 52,300 individuals and provided crucial support to more than 450 diagnosed breast cancer patients. Addressing the challenge of health literacy in South Africa, BHF proposes an AI-based Breast Health Awareness Assessment tool to improve personalized assessments and empower individuals to seek appropriate screening and care. This initiative, supported by the APPIS Innovator Program, aims to reach vulnerable communities and enhance breast health outcomes.

Louise Turner, COO/Director of Breast Health Foundation, expressed, "The BHF is thrilled to be selected as an APPIS Innovator winner. This opportunity will significantly expand our outreach to vulnerable women in rural and peri-urban areas, offering crucial education and culturally sensitive breast health awareness initiatives."

For more information, visit: mybreast.org.za

Cancer Warriors Foundation - Philippines

The Cancer Warriors Foundation (CWF) Philippines focuses on improving cancer care for children, adolescents, and their families. Recognizing disparities in cancer care delivery, CWF brings together various stakeholders to enhance access to treatment in the Calabarzon region. Through their partnership with the APPIS Innovator Program, CWF aims to develop alternative financing mechanisms, augment social health insurance benefits, and integrate AI technology for early screening. This initiative seeks to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of treatment and provide a fully funded patient care pathway.

Carmen Auste, CEO of Cancer Warriors Foundation, shared, "We are honored and inspired by this recognition. Partnering with APPIS will enable us to scale up our initiatives to transform cancer care and localize the nation’s integrated cancer control act for better care and more cures."

For more information, visit: c-warriors.org

The APPIS Innovator Program extends heartfelt gratitude to all participating patient organizations for their relentless efforts in improving patient lives. Discover more about our winners and their impactful initiatives.