Zwelethu Bashman

Background

About Zwelethu Bashman

I currently serves as the Managing Director of MSD South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa. I joined MSD on 1 January 2020 as Director for the HIV & Vaccines business, during this period we were able to sign voluntary license agreements with low-cost manufacturing partners to allow the marketing of generic versions of MSD’s HIV medication, expanding access to treatment for people living with HIV and Aids in Africa. I transitioned in to the MD role in February 2021 and I am primarily focused on addressing unmet healthcare needs on the continent, building sustainable and resilient health systems as well as finding innovative financial mechanisms that will broaden access to innovative healthcare on the continent. Prior to joining MSD, I held various roles within the pharmaceuticals sector. My career started at Schering-Plough in 2006, where he worked in sales and later product management. I spent the bulk of development years at Adcock Ingram, where I led several commercial operations including HIV, Cardiovascular/CNS/Dermatology as well as Hospital Fluids. Between 2017 and 2019, I relocated to Tanzania where I led the key account operations for Cipla Pharmaceuticals across Sub-Saharan Africa. Thereafter I joined Merck Biopharma as Head of Marketing for all English & Portuguese speaking African countries. In addition to my role as MD, I also serve President of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa as well as Deputy Chairman at the US-South Africa Business Council.