News
Foundation's new report reveals opportunities for generic medicine manufacturers to bridge access gaps in Africa
08 September 2026
19 October 2026
Mariângela Simão’s time on the Access to Medicine Foundation’s Supervisory Board comes to a close
After more than three years on the Supervisory Board, Mariângela Simão is pursuing new avenues.
With three decades of dedication to the Brazilian public health system, Mariângela brought a wealth of experience to the Foundation’s Supervisory Board. Former HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Director for Brazil’s Ministry of Health, Mariângela’s profound knowledge on access to medicine in different contexts and country policies and regulations have greatly benefitted our work and impact at the Foundation.
As a public health professional, Mariângela played an active role in decentralising the national health system, building a deep understanding of health system strengthening. Backed by five years’ experience as Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products in the World Health Organization and seven years as Director for Prevention, Gender, Community Mobilization and Human Rights, Mariângela has been an exceptional contributor to the Supervisory Board.
“Mariângela’s deep understanding of access to medicines, particularly for children and within primary care, was reflected in her consistently thoughtful and sound advice. Mariângela also brought rare insight into how industry and policy work together in practice, helping us better understand how company action can align with public health priorities.”
Mariângela’s contributions have helped strengthen our work to incentivise pharmaceutical companies to improve access to essential medicines in primary and secondary care, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that more communities can benefit.
As the Foundation continues to deepen its work on access, the replenishment of the Supervisory Board is key to supporting wider understanding and engagement across different networks. The Supervisory Board includes Linda-Gail Bekker as Chair, alongside existing members Prashant Yadav, Patrick Flochel, Jane Masiga, Tochi Okwor and Jo Walton, with Madhav Joshi recently joining as our newest member.
About the Access to Medicine Foundation
The Access to Medicine Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation that seeks to transform the healthcare ecosystem by motivating and mobilising companies to expand access to their essential healthcare products in low- and middle-income countries. The role of the Supervisory Board is to oversee the management and strategic direction of the Foundation, and Members are also consulted for advice and guidance in their areas of expertise.