Engaging with active and well-informed individuals is the essential element of any successful health ecosystem. Without them, healthcare and digital health companies are building solutions that can’t improve health outcomes. Patient advocacy groups are one way that individuals can become empowered. But across the world, the impact of such groups is dependent on external factors to help them achieve scale. In this episode, I speak with Ruth Kuguru, the Regional Head for Communications and Patient Engagement for Novartis who has developed a platform to change this dynamic for patient advocacy groups. During this podcast, we discuss: How Novartis created a platform to bring together different stakeholders and putting patients at the forefront of improving Habitats – another word for Ecosystems Describing the components of the Alliance & Partnerships for Patient Innovation & Solutions (APPIS) including a case study in the Philippines Why patient advocacy groups are the “real deal” for creating engaged individuals Scaling the impact of patient advocacy into a corporate capability that goes beyond the traditional model for pharma manufacturers About Ruth Kuguru Ruth Kuguru is the Executive Director, Communications & Patient Engagement for Novartis Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. In her role, she leads her team to foster open, inclusive, and strong partnerships with patient communities, media, and healthcare leaders in Asia Pacific, Middle East and African countries. She is passionate about the impact strong collaboration can have in accelerating access and developing innovative solutions for patients. Guest's Links and Resources Connect with Ruth Kuguru: LinkedIn Novartis: Website APPIS Summit APPIS Innovator Programme Host's Links and Resources: Connect with Tony Estrella: Twitter | LinkedIn | Personal Website Connect with Taliossa Read Tony’s Book: Comatose FutureProofing Healthcare | FutureProofing Healthcare APAC index Full White Paper, Summary and Video: A Vision for Asia Pacific in 2050 Follow Digital Health Today: Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram Follow Health Podcast Network: Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Digital Health Today is made possible by the support of our sponsors. Special thanks to: Amalgam Rx | Akili | Bayer G4A | Lindus Health