Despite Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, significant disparities persist in access and quality of care—especially for women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and underserved communities. The Novartis Health Equity Initiative is a bold response to these challenges, championing fair access to care through community-led, people-first solutions. This event will spotlight the 2025 Novartis Health Equity Initiative and grassroots changemakers advancing equity in these key areas:

Health literacy and education: When accurate health information is clear and accessible, better health outcomes are made possible for all.

Support for newcomers to Canada: Reducing language and cultural barriers helps ensure newcomers to Canada receive the same quality of care as everyone else

Social and cultural inclusivity: To make care truly fair, we must close the gaps affecting millions of Canadians, especially women, Indigenous peoples and underserved communities across the country.

Attendees will explore how the 2025 Novartis Health Equity Initiative Award winners are working to dismantle systemic barriers and co-create lasting solutions rooted in local expertise. Join us to learn how innovative partnerships and inclusive strategies are reshaping healthcare access—and how you can be part of the movement toward a healthier, more equitable Canada.

Join Rosa D’Acunti, Country Communications and Patient Advocacy Head at Novartis Canada, as she moderates a compelling discussion on health equity. Special guest Julie Sobowale, Executive Director of Black Physicians of Canada and 2024 Health Equity