According to the latest edition of the annual Global Women’s Health Index (GWHI), more women worldwide are stressed, worried, angry, and sad than at any other point in the past decade. Another data point from the study is that around the world, only 12% of women said they were tested for any type of cancer in the past 12 months – meaning that more than 2 billion of the world’s women went unscreened for cancer.
Jon McMillan ’98, international relations, works for Hologic, the global medical technology company that together with analytics expert Gallup launched the GWHI – the largest annual study of women’s health that draws directly from the experiences of women. The survey, which represents 94% of the world’s women and girls aged 15 or older, fills a critical data gap.
“We are all part of a family of mothers and daughters who are our pillars of strength. Regardless of our jobs or where we are from, we have an opportunity to help women and girls. By advocating for them, we also advocate for the well-being of the entire world because women are the foundation of our families and communities.”
As general manager for Hologic in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, McMillan is at the front lines of global women’s health, bringing the company’s medical prevention and detection diagnostic solutions in the areas of breast and cervical cancers, HPV, and HIV to women’s healthcare providers in the Asia Pacific region.
“Since the introduction of the GWHI, it’s been a privilege to communicate and work with key stakeholders in local governments and healthcare professionals to look at optimal solutions to help all women,” McMillan said.
Based in the U.S. but with a growing global presence that now exceeds 100 countries, Hologic is dedicated to finding ways to provide universal access to quality diagnostic testing and viral-load monitoring for the most prevalent viral diseases. Its Global Access Initiative promotes simple, scalable, and sustainable access to cost-effective and quality diagnostic testing in countries that need it most.
Hologic also leads projects on women’s health for the World Economic Forum, and it provides grants to charitable organizations worldwide that focus on advancing women’s health, STEM education, and social equality.
McMillan credits his Lehigh education with providing a foundation for his professional and personal growth. “I learned about being a member of a team from participating in cross-country. Then I was part of the first Lehigh in China program, in which I spent a summer traveling to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, learning about international and Asian business, language, culture, and relationships.”
His interest in Asia led to his current position, and McMillan has lived in Asia for the past 14 years. He is proud to help lead his company’s expanding impact on women’s health in the Asia Pacific region and around the world.
“We are all part of a family of mothers and daughters who are our pillars of strength,” McMillan said. “Regardless of our jobs or where we are from, we have an opportunity to help women and girls. By advocating for them, we also advocate for the well-being of the entire world because women are the foundation of our families and communities.”