Fresenius signs Zero Health Gaps Pledge to promote equal opportunities in healthcare

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• Fresenius drives forward the vision of Health Equity with signature.
• The company offers broad access to healthcare and affordable versions of high-quality medicines: Every year around 24 million patients seek medical treatment at Europe’s largest hospital chain. Fresenius Kabi markets affordable and high-quality medicines worldwide. 

"Fresenius has been committed to improving the health of people worldwide for over 100 years. It is our firm belief that equal opportunity in healthcare is a moral obligation and economically beneficial for society. That is why we signed the world's most important cross-sector commitment to health equity to advance a common vision of health equity," said Michael Sen, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius. 

Fresenius has signed the World Economic Forum's Zero Health Gaps Pledge ahead of this year's World Economic Forum in Davos. This commitment to promoting equal opportunities in healthcare is part of the Global Health Equity Network (GHEN), which brings together key players from the public and private sectors to advance a shared vision of equitable healthcare in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To date, more than 80 companies have signed the world's first voluntary commitment of this kind. By signing the pledge, Fresenius commits to acting responsibly and working together for equal opportunities in healthcare.

"With our innovations and strong partnerships, we have been enabling the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective therapies to millions of people for many years. However, fair healthcare can only be achieved as part of a consistent climate and sustainability approach. We shall strive to continuously implement this holistic approach," said Management Board member Dr. Michael Moser, who is among others responsible for Sustainability.  

Improving people's health and advancing patient care is Fresenius' corporate purpose and therefore also an important part of the company's ESG strategy. Every year around 24 million patients seek medical treatment at a Helios hospital. Fresenius markets low-cost biosimilars in around 40 countries. 

The voluntary commitment is a response to the persistent and increasing global inequalities in health between and within countries: according to the World Economic Forum's pledge, the gap in life expectancy between Japan and Lesotho is 30 years. In the USA, the gap in life expectancy between black and white men is five years on average. The global climate crisis and health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated these inequalities and the potential consequences of inaction. 

The global, cross-sector pledge includes ten commitments to advance the shared vision of health equity. In this vision, all people have a fair and equitable opportunity to fulfill their human potential in all aspects of health and well-being.

Click here to read the full Zero Health Gaps Pledge with its ten key commitments and here to learn more about the Global Health Equity Network.