Defined by the World Health Organization as systematic differences in the health status of different population groups, health inequity remains a fundamental issue in our healthcare system and society more broadly. Whether it’s the issue of elevated rates of diabetes, or disproportionate barriers in cancer care, Black populations in particular continue to face
significant disparities in healthcare access, quality of care, and health outcomes. Addressing these disparities and dismantling barriers takes time, but it also means taking purposeful action.
That’s exactly what Lilly is doing. The company believes that every person deserves an equitable opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, and they are working hard to ensure their medicines are accessible and affordable to give everyone a chance at better health.
Among other diseases, Lilly is working to help improve both the diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic conditions like eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, in people of color. People with skin of color may have a disproportionately higher prevalence of skin conditions¹, the signs of which can be masked due to skin pigmentation, resulting in delayed diagnosis and care. Yet less than 19% of photographs in dermatology textbooks document disease in skin of color.² Because of this, almost half (47%) of dermatologists feel their training, specific to diagnosing dermatologic conditions in people with skin of color, was inadequate.³
Lilly is dedicated to amplifying the voices of underserved patients and raising awareness of the challenges faced. Recognizing that non-medical factors greatly influence health outcomes and disparities, Lilly believes it’s paramount to understand drivers of health and the impact these have on patients’ conditions and daily life. To help address challenges people of color face when seeking dermatologic care, Lilly continues to focus on engaging in impactful research, promoting education among health care professionals, mentoring future leaders, and empowering patient voices to increase understanding of common care challenges so people can make their needs known and actively partner to find impactful solutions. For example, Lilly has collaborated to develop educational webinars and training modules for healthcare providers to enhance cultural competency, increasing levels of trust, and mutual understanding between patient and provider. Lilly also initiated a clinical trial specifically for people of color with atopic dermatitis. Lastly, by surveying over 1,200 adults with dermatologic conditions, Lilly aims to highlight these challenges and foster discussion among healthcare providers, patients, and community members with the goal of co-creating solutions that enhance patient care and promote health equity.
“At Lilly, we believe in health for all, whether that’s through impactful research, supporting healthcare professionals with education or empowering patient voices,” said Prentice Stovall, Senior Vice President, Immunology Strategy & Global Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer at Lilly. “We aim to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities so underserved patients have a chance at better health. From developing groundbreaking medicines to helping ensure access through savings programs, we’re proud our work has fueled progress but recognize there’s more to be done. Our resolve is firm – we will work tirelessly to advance health equity for all.”
These are just a few examples of the type of work Lilly is doing to promote higher levels of equity in healthcare in the U.S. Lilly is committed to changing perceptions and improving health outcomes for all people. There is much work to be done to eliminate long-enduring health inequities for people of color. With sustained investment and collaboration among healthcare providers, the healthcare industry, lawmakers, and patients, together we can address these systemic issues and give people a chance at better health.
Learn more about Lilly’s commitment to health equity by reading about their work on access and affordability, diversity in clinical trials and advancing care in dermatology.
¹McKenzie S, Brown-Korsah JB, Syder NC, Omar D, Taylor SC, Elbuluk N. Variations in genetics, biology, and phenotype of cutaneous disorders in skin of color. Part II: Differences in clinical presentation and disparities in cutaneous disorders in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Dec; 87(6):1261-1270.
²Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipoff JB. Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Jan;84(1):194-196.
³Buster KJ, Stevens El, Elmets CA. Dermatologic health disparities. Dermatol Clin. 2012;30:53-59, viii.