For over 75 years, the Pfizer Foundation, a charitable organization, has worked toward the mission of helping build healthier communities around the world. By investing in locally led organizations and applying a community-centered approach, the Foundation aims to address today’s complex global health challenges, respond to urgent health needs, and empower Pfizer colleagues to make a positive impact where they live, work, and beyond.

Launched in 2025, The Pfizer Foundation’s Action & Impact initiative is a philanthropic investment now totaling $25 million across five sub-Saharan countries to expand access to timely breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. The initiative supports partners working with national ministries of health to strengthen health systems and improve breast cancer care in low-resource settings by promoting earlier diagnosis and addressing barriers that delay or prevent women from accessing treatment across Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Earlier this month, Darren Back, President of the Pfizer Foundation, joined a Devex podcast to discuss the Pfizer Foundation Action & Impact Breast Cancer grants program alongside two colleagues from AMPATH, a Pfizer Foundation partner.  The podcast, hosted by Devex Executive Editor and Executive Vice President Kate Warren, invited Darren Back, Dr. Loice Sitienei, and Dr. Patrick Loehrer to explore why integrated breast cancer care strengthens both health systems and economic resilience, ultimately improving outcomes for women facing this disease.

The conversation underscores the systemic barriers to breast cancer care in low and middle-income countries where limited infrastructure and high costs often lead to delays in diagnosis. By supporting partners working with local and national governments to advance access to care, the initiative seeks to not only improve breast cancer outcomes but also strengthen overall health systems and long-term prosperity across the region.

Listen to the episode: Breast cancer as a global development challenge | Devex

*This content is part of The Pfizer Foundation Partnerships with Purpose series produced by Devex. Click here to learn more.