Improving Health Awareness, Prevention, and Access to Healthcare
At MSD Switzerland, we are dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare through awareness, prevention, and collaboration. Our commitment is rooted in meaningful partnerships with caregivers, healthcare authorities, research institutions, and patient associations – working together to make healthcare more inclusive and effective.
Through active engagement with these stakeholders, we identify and close gaps in the patient journey and health literacy, helping people better understand their health and receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Our initiatives in disease prevention not only support individual well-being but also contribute to sustainable healthcare systems and better population health outcomes.
Among our ongoing initiatives are PINK CUBE, Lucerne Health Trend Days, and the Patient Sounding Board – programs that exemplify our collaborative approach to improving healthcare access and education.
You can learn more about these partnerships and their impact in the sections that follow.
At MSD Switzerland, we work with local partners to turn our global purpose into action. Together, we advance health awareness, prevention, and access to healthcare—creating lasting impact for communities across Switzerland. Discover some of our key initiatives below.
Lucerne Health Trend Days
Every year, more than 600 healthcare decision-makers and influencers from medicine, science, economics, and politics gather at Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern (Health Trend Days at KKL Lucerne) to discuss the latest trends and future perspectives in the Swiss healthcare system. As a Lucerne-based biopharmaceutical company, MSD Switzerland proudly supports this leading national healthcare event and has served as a principal partner since 2013.
Through its active role on the advisory board, MSD contributes expert insights to identify emerging healthcare trends and shape the symposium’s annual program, reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovation and collaboration in Swiss healthcare.
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Race for Life
Race for Life is an annual cancer awareness and fundraising event held in Bern, bringing together participants of all ages to support cancer research, patient care, and collective action in the fight against cancer. The event inspires hope, engagement, and meaningful participation from communities nationwide.
As part of our commitment to advancing cancer research and public health, MSD proudly partnered with Race for Life from 2022 to 2024, helping raise awareness, drive donations, and encourage collective efforts to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
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Lucerne City Run
Since 2025, MSD Schweiz has proudly partnered with the Lucerne City Run (Luzerner Stadtlauf, LCR) to promote health, physical activity, and community engagement.
This partnership reflects our ESG commitment to well-being, inclusion, and team spirit, encouraging people of all ages to lead active, healthy lives. Our support for around 1,000 children participating in the event highlights our dedication to empowering the next generation and creating inclusive opportunities that inspire long-term community health.
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MSD Cancer Carer Barometer
Launched in 2021, the MSD Cancer Care Barometer (Krebsbarometer) provides valuable insights into public perceptions of cancer care in Switzerland, with a focus on prevention, early detection, and access to quality treatment. The study includes responses from 1,250 individuals across all language regions, with 10–11% of participants having personal or family experience with cancer.
Developed in collaboration with GFS Bern, the Barometer evaluates the quality of cancer care by gathering input from patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The findings highlight key challenges such as communication gaps, timely access to treatment, and long-term survivor support.
By identifying disparities and opportunities for improvement, the MSD Cancer Care Barometer serves as a vital evidence-based resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health organizations working to enhance cancer care and patient outcomes in Switzerland.
MSD Patient Sounding Board
The Oncology Patient Sounding Board is designed to amplify the patient voice within our daily operations by fostering a two-way exchange of insights between patients, caregivers, and the healthcare industry. This dialogue helps both sides learn from one another and ensures that patient perspectives directly shape decision-making and innovation in oncology.
Through close collaboration with patient advocacy groups (ONCO PAGs), the initiative aims to empower patients and caregivers, build stronger partnerships with advocacy organizations, and enhance patient representation in the healthcare and political landscape.
Guided by our commitment to a patient-centered approach, the program has now expanded beyond oncology to include other therapeutic areas, reinforcing our goal of integrating the patient perspective across all aspects of healthcare development and delivery.
PINK CUBE Test Your Breast
Initiated by MSD in 2022, PINK CUBE is a unique initiative that promotes breast cancer prevention in Switzerland by raising public and political awareness, sharing medical knowledge, and strengthening early detection efforts. The program features interactive roadshows during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and continues to engage communities throughout the year.
In 2024, 471 individuals were screened for breast cancer, with follow-up care provided when needed — demonstrating real impact in early diagnosis and access to medical support. That same year, PINK CUBE received both the Audience Award and the Responsibility Award at the 6th Night of Sponsoring, recognizing its innovative contribution to cancer awareness and public health.
CH-NON-03156, 11/2025
