Our team

Walking the Talk: Lunch & Learn about HPV

Prevention starts with us! To mark International HPV Awareness Day, we met with gynecologist Dr. Alina Staikov for a Lunch & Learn. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to learn about the impact human papillomavirus (HPV) can have on our health and how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the viruses and certain cancers it causes.

31 March 2023

MSD employees at the Lunch & Learn about HPV with Dr. Alina Staikov

In celebration of International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, our Leadership Team invited all MSD employees to a Lunch & Learn with Dr. Alina Staikov. She is a gynecologist committed to the fight against cancer and is dedicated to education, treatment, prevention and early detection of the disease.

What does cancer have to do with HPV? Human papillomaviruses can cause cancer in some cases. The good thing is, if you are informed, you can protect yourself from HPV, prevent HPV-related cancers or get early treatment for them!

At MSD, we are committed to the prevention and early detection of cancer

As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in oncology, we don’t just focus on educating the public – we live by what we say. This is why we regularly organize internal events to educate ourselves further on pertinent subjects – in this case about HPV and how it impacts health. More than 50 colleagues from all Swiss subsidiaries took the opportunity to learn from Dr. Staikov and ask their questions.

HPV can cause certain cancers

Dr. Staikov presented key facts about HPV. Among the other information she provided, she explained that these viruses are common and even teenagers should know about them, because even they can become infected. She explained that almost everyone will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime and what can happen if the virus does not go away on its own. This is the specific reason why Dr. Staikov focused on the options of early prevention and detection. After her lecture, we were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, making the event interactive and vibrant. What is the message we took away? Read the next section!

Five facts about HPV that everyone should know

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and can occur in teenagers and adults.
People are infected with HP viruses through person-to-person contact involving the skin and mucous membranes.
HP viruses can cause certain cancers and precancerous tissue abnormalities.
The most common HPV-related cancers include cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oral and pharyngeal cancers.
Safer sex and vaccination can help prevent certain HPV-related diseases.

“Getting the information to the people is the most important thing. If they are not informed, they can’t make decisions and they don’t have choices.“

The stage at the Lunch & Learn about HPV — At the event

MSD employees — Applause for Dr. Staikov

The event was a great opportunity for us to learn as a team and live by MSD culture.

Would you like to know more about HPV?

More information for parents, women, and men

Discover more

Want to know more about cervical cancer?

More information about the disease and treatment options

Information for women
Information for healthcare professionals

Mutter und Tochter laufen nebeneinander Arm in Arm

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Our commitment

Pulmonary hypertension

Every single life motivates us, day after day, to give our best.

Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. At MSD, we are committed to people who are affected by this disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease characterised by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. It may lead to a significant impairment of physical capacity and can be life-threatening if left untreated. There are various treatment options that aim to alleviate symptoms, stop progression of the disease and maintain the highest possible quality of life.

Find out more

Our commitment in the area of pulmonary hypertension

For over

years committed to improving the lives of patients in Switzerland

In the year

2013

introduction of the first soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator for PH in Switzerland

Active since

2016

in longstanding partnerships and projects

Our partnerships and projects

Collaboration with the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pulmonale Hypertonie [Swiss Society for Pulmonary Hypertension] (SGPH)

The SGPH is panel of experts that for more than 20 years has bundled all findings about pulmonary hypertension into one efficient network. We have supported the SGPH for years in different projects and initiatives.

Cooperation with patient organisations

We have been involved for years in collaborative partnerships with patient organisations and the Swiss PH Society for people with pulmonary hypertension.

Continuing education events and conferences

MSD regularly takes part in the conference of the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pneumologie [Swiss Society for Pulmonology] (SGP) and supports continuing education events for physicians in order to help clarify pulmonary hypertension and its treatment.

Clinical Research

For almost 130 years, we have conducted research worldwide to contribute to better health for our society with our medications and vaccines, for today and future generations. In Switzerland, MSD is currently conducting 42 clinical studies in different areas of therapy (as of 10/2023).

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Information and education

Especially in November, during Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, and on 5 May, World Pulmonary Hypertension Day, we raise awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection among the general public.

"The sooner pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed and treated, the sooner a patient can benefit from an improvement in the quality of his or her life. With our commitment, we wish to contribute to the clarification and early detection of the disease".

Claudia Kimmich

Senior Customer Engagement Specialist Pulmonary Hypertension, MSD Schweiz

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