A Million Conversations: Closing Healthcare's Trust Gap
Sanofi’s A Million Conversations report - Closing Healthcare’s Trust Gap - presents data, evidence and lived experiences that reveal the depth of inequities in healthcare systems today, and what must be done to address them.
Launched in London, the global report draws on insights from more than 35,000 people across 10 countries, marking it a milestone in Sanofi’s global commitment to health justice. At the launch, healthcare leaders, advocates and individuals from historically under-supported communities came together to reflect on one shared message: without trust, public health breaks down. And without action, the trust gap only widens.
Using Data to Understand Healthcare Experiences
The report reveals the results from our most recent polling of 11,489 adults across five countries. It highlights the disparities in how different communities experience healthcare. Disabled people, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals and women are significantly more likely to report negative, trust-eroding encounters - and when identities intersect, the damage deepens.
71% of disabled respondents
These are more than just numbers - they reflect real people and real consequences. At the event, speakers shared their own powerful stories:
My mum was giving birth - and they left her completely alone. She was terrified. That kind of fear stays with you.
Ridhi Patel
Sanofi NextGen Scholarship Alumni
A consultant discharged me and the Black woman next to me, who was in pain, anxious, distressed. He told us both it was normal. I still wonder if she came back.
Marisa Miraldo
Professor of Health Economics and Health Policy, Imperial College London
Building Trust Together Through A Million Conversations
Since launching A Million Conversations, Sanofi has been working alongside historically under-supported communities and partner organizations to rebuild trust in healthcare from the ground up.
The initiative has hosted open dialogues, partnered with academic institutions, and taken concrete actions to promote inclusive healthcare around the world.
For some marginalized communities, their trust in healthcare is hanging by a thread. If it snaps, we risk deepening inequities and jeopardizing public health. This report is a wake-up call for action.
Laura Gutierrez
Sanofi’s Head of Global Corporate Public Affairs and Policy
And action is already happening. In Brazil, healthcare workers are receiving training in cultural sensitivity and inclusive research. In Japan, Pharma for Pride is creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ people. In the US, a new digital tool is equipping community health workers to better connect with historically under-supported populations.
Closing the Trust Gap: Six Key Actions for Change
Based on the findings from A Million Conversations and the Earning Trust report1, Sanofi outlines six urgent actions to rebuild trust and equity in healthcare:
- Provide healthcare providers with sufficient education and training to help build trust with under-supported communities
- Ensure national health research and data represent the diversity of their populations
- Make equitable policy decisions informed by diverse patient perspectives for the long term and back them with sufficient funding
- Support holistic, person-centered care by giving healthcare providers time and resources to understand individual patient needs and barriers
- Improve health literacy and accessible communication so patients can make informed choices and discuss concerns openly with healthcare professionals
- Make it easier for all people, regardless of their background, to start their career in the healthcare sector
Be Part of the Solution
Sanofi cannot do this alone. Achieving truly inclusive healthcare requires collaboration with policymakers, international organizations, NGOs, patient associations and healthcare leaders. If that’s you, we invite you to join Sanofi.
To get involved, contact us at: AMillionConversations@Sanofi.com
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References
1The Health Policy Partnership: Earning Trust Report