Elif Aral: Driving equitable healthcare in the region

To Pfizer, Aral is no stranger. She brings over 25 years of experience within the company to a region ripe with potential aiming to deliver Pfizer’s scientific breakthroughs across six therapeutic areas. These include vaccines, oncology, inflammation and immunology, internal medicine, rare diseases, and hospital care.

“Healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege,” Aral asserts. “Our goal is to work closely with the public sector and the wider medical community to ensure that every patient in the MERA region has access to medications, regardless of their location or economic status.”

Championing diversity and inclusion

Leading a team of over 1,700 employees (57 per cent of which being female) from 38 nationalities in five clusters across the region, Aral places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. She believes that a workforce reflecting the region’s rich cultural mosaic is essential for innovation and addressing the unique needs of a diverse patient population.

Defining moments

One of the most impactful chapters in Aral’s career was her leadership of Pfizer’s “An Accord for a Healthier World” initiative. Launched in 2022, this groundbreaking program provides Pfizer’s medicines and vaccines to 45 lower-income countries on a not-for-profit basis.

“This initiative by Pfizer underscores the importance of healthcare equity and shows what’s possible when we think beyond profit and align our mission with action. It truly helped shape my leadership philosophy to be geared towards collaboration, innovation, and mission-driven and fueled my determination towards healthcare equity,” reflects Aral.

A journey of growth and leadership

Aral’s journey with Pfizer began in 1995, and over the years, she has held various roles in commercial marketing, public affairs, and leadership across different regions. These experiences have not only broadened her expertise but also deepened her understanding of global healthcare challenges.

“I’ve been fortunate to grow within an organisation that values development and holds equity – internally and externally, as one of its core values,” she notes. “In my new role, I aim to build on this value, and provide similar opportunities for emerging leaders at Pfizer because empowering our workforce is key to our collective success.”

Strategising for the future

Aral believes the healthcare industry is full of growth opportunities, driven by technological advancements, evolving patient needs, and innovative business models. She reaffirmed Pfizer’s commitment to advancing precision medicine and integrating AI into research, clinical trials, and patient care strategies, ensuring Pfizer stays at the forefront of patient-centered healthcare innovation.

“I look forward to bringing new products to the market that address the aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases across the region,” says Aral. “We are also well-positioned to contribute to the region’s desire to advance local healthcare research and innovation.”