190 million reasons to get involved: The Endometriosis Global Network is born
- Alejandra Del Federico
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Endometriosis Global Network (EGN) & International Advisory Board
Within the framework of strengthening primary healthcare and global health equity, Endometriosis Global Network (EGN) is immensely honoured to welcome Dr Lars-Åke Söderlund, who joins our International Advisory Board as an Honorary Member.
Dr. Söderlund brings a distinguished career guided by a profound vocation for service, a humanistic vision of the healthcare profession and a personal commitment to four strategic pillars of global health:
Women’s comprehensive health
The advancement of scientific research
Active advocacy for patients’ rights
Gender equality in healthcare systems
Dr Lars-Åke Söderlund’s International Career and Leadership
Dr Lars-Åke Söderlund has a distinguished global career in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields:
Leadership at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
He currently serves as the President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), having been recently elected to the role. Prior to this, he served as Vice President of the FIP and President of the Community Pharmacy Section (CPS-FIP), leading initiatives to modernise care delivery and advance the standing of the profession before international organisations.
Health Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations
He has collaborated with the EuroPharm Forum, a European network of pharmaceutical associations linked to cooperation with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, contributing to professional dialogue on public health, pharmaceutical care and the role of pharmacy in healthcare systems.
Care Innovation
As international consultant and speaker, he has been a pioneer in health digitalisation (e-Health) and a longstanding advocate for the care role of healthcare professionals as the first point of contact.
Community Pharmacy as a First Point of Access and a Driver of Equity
Endometriosis affects more than 190 million women worldwide and has an average diagnostic delay of between 7 and 10 years. In light of this reality, the strategic alliance with Dr Söderlund positions Community Pharmacy as a key stakeholder in:
Early detection and timely referral: Identifying warning signs during repeat dispensing for unresolved menstrual or pelvic pain, counteracting its normalisation.
Person-centred care: Ensuring rigorous pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, promoting the rational use of medicines and health education.
A safe, bias-free space: Offering accessible professional listening that validates women’s symptoms from the first point of contact.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The work of EGN and its Advisory Board is directly aligned with the goals of the United Nations multilateral agenda:
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
Strengthening primary healthcare and reducing the diagnostic gap in chronic conditions.
SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
Eliminating bias in medical research and recognising the social and professional impact of the disease.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
Building synergies among civil society, scientific communities and international organisations.
Progress in healthcare and equity demand a firm commitment to those realities that have remained invisible. Working alongside the Endometriosis Global Network represents a crucial opportunity to defend patients' rights, promote rigorous research, and ensure that healthcare systems respond with empathy, accuracy, and fairness to the problems affecting millions of women worldwide.
Dr. Lars-Åke Söderlund, Honorary Member of the EGN International Advisory Board.
A leadership model that transforms global health
The presence of Dr. Lars-Åke Söderlund on our Advisory Board and his collaboration in the development of the International Guide to Education and Leadership for Endometriosis Patients demonstrates the type of caring, inclusive, and transformative leadership that the global pharmacy industry needs.
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