Latest news with #Haleon
Business Upturn
12 hours ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Study Highlights the Economic Power of Health Literacy in Driving India's GDP Growth: The Economist Impact, Supported by Haleon
A global study released by The Economist Impact, supported by Haleon, reveals that India's healthcare future hinges on one powerful lever: health literacy. The findings of the Health Inclusivity Index, which analyzed 40 countries, looking at groups such as people with low health literacy, people on lower incomes, women, and older adults , highlighted how better access to health information, education, and preventive care can significantly reduce medical costs and boost economic productivity—especially in rapidly developing nations like India. Business Wire India A global study released by The Economist Impact , supported by Haleon, reveals that India's healthcare future hinges on one powerful lever: health literacy . The findings of the Health Inclusivity Index , which analyzed 40 countries, looking at groups such as people with low health literacy, people on lower incomes, women, and older adults , highlighted how better access to health information, education, and preventive care can significantly reduce medical costs and boost economic productivity—especially in rapidly developing nations like India. The Index underlines that underserved groups—such as women, lower-income populations, older adults, and individuals with low health literacy bear the greatest burden of health exclusion. Empowering these communities with evidence-based health solutions is not only a public health imperative but also a powerful economic strategy. The findings also highlight the importance of self-care and health literacy as critical enablers of health inclusion, helping individuals recognize early symptoms, take timely action, and manage everyday health needs more effectively. Appended are the key findings for India: 1. Oral Health: A Hidden Economic Driver By managing gum disease effectively in India, $3.5billion could be saved in diabetes-related healthcare costs over the next decade. Poor oral health contributes to $35 billion in productivity losses annually across Index countries, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. Preventive dental care can reduce treatment costs—which are currently nearly 50% higher for underserved groups—by $32.8billion. Targeting lower-income groups could nearly double these savings to over $60 billion. 2. Musculoskeletal Health: Empowering Older Adults and Women Improving the prevention of musculoskeletal conditions in India among older adults can deliver annual benefits of $1.3billion. Among underserved populations—especially women aged 50 and above—targeted strategies can unlock an additional $2 billion in savings in India. These outcomes demonstrate that inclusive health strategies not only enhance individual well-being but also drive national prosperity. 3. Anaemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Women's Health Crisis Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing anaemia in women of reproductive age by 50% by 2030 can save $48 billion and reclaim 568 million lost workdays each year across the 40 Index countries. In India alone, reaching this goal can yield $8.7billion in annual benefits. Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, bear the highest burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with anaemia rates rising in nearly three-quarters of Index countries. 4. Air Quality: A Public Health and Economic Imperative Air pollution is a silent driver of chronic illness and lost productivity, particularly in underserved communities. Meeting WHO air quality guidelines can save 4.5 million lives globally and deliver $11.8 billion in annual economic benefits in India alone. The Health Inclusivity Index highlights how reducing air pollution can ease pressure on healthcare systems and unlock major gains for both public health and the economy. Vedika Kapoor, Head, Communications & Government Affairs, Haleon India Subcontinent, said, 'The Health Inclusivity Index, developed by Economist Impact with support from Haleon, shows that inclusive health is a powerful investment. This third phase reveals that such investments can unlock hundreds of billions in healthcare savings, boost GDP, and prevent millions of deaths annually. Through purpose-led brands like Sensodyne and Centrum, Haleon India is committed to bridging health gaps by promoting self-care behaviours that drive greater inclusion. We urge governments, businesses, and healthcare leaders to unite in building a truly inclusive health ecosystem.' Link to the full report: The Index builds on two previous phases of research that exposed global gaps in health policy, and the lived experience of health exclusion. Promoting health inclusivity and removing barriers to quality healthcare ensures better health outcomes for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. Business Upturn take no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Health
- IOL News
Med-Lemon spreads warmth and care with MES at the Impilo Shelter this Mandela Day
Marking Mandela Day at Impilo Shelter, Med-Lemon and Haleon shared warmth with handmade 'Hero Blankets' for people facing homelessness, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Homelessness in South Africa has a familiar face. In a country where youth unemployment stands at 45.5%, and an estimated 15% of the population suffers from drug addiction, many are left vulnerable to a life on the streets. In fact, across the world today, studies are showing that many people are just one salary, or one crisis away from homelessness. Today it could be a stranger; tomorrow a friend, neighbour, or family member facing the perils of being without shelter – let alone a place to call home. Amid this harsh reality, organisations like MES are working tirelessly to bring about change and restore dignity to the lives of hundreds of South Africans grappling with destitution. In commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, Med-Lemon joined forces with MES at its Impilo Shelter in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, to spread warmth and care to young adults housed at the shelter. At the heart of this initiative is the brand's 'Hero Blanket,' made from knitted squares lovingly created by Med-Lemon and Haleon staff. As a global leader in consumer health, Haleon delivers everyday health with humanity through its portfolio of brands, including Med-Lemon. Combining deep human understanding and trusted science, Haleon SA aims to serve the needs of local communities through self-care products, continuing a trusted legacy of empowering millions of people toward effective self-care practices. 50 of the handmade blankets were gifted to beneficiaries, along with a warm bowl of soup and bread. This collective creation symbolises the compassion, care and togetherness that Haleon espouses. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading More than just a meal Founded in 1986 in the heart of Hillbrow by the Dutch Reformed Church, MES initially focused on meal provision through its evangelical roots. However, as needs evolved, so did its mission – now centred on 'Mould Empower Serve.' 'This shelter provides overnight and short-term accommodation for people in desperate need. For just R20, we offer a bed and three meals a day,' said Thabiso Ramasike, Acting CEO at MES. 'But we realised early on that a providing a meal alone isn't enough. Homelessness strips people of their dignity. Our mission is to restore that dignity through structured programmes that equip individuals with life skills, psychosocial support, and ultimately, a path to reintegration.' MES runs shelters in Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, with outreach programmes designed to bring people in from the streets. Once engaged, social workers assess their needs and place them into structured six-week programmes, with the ultimate goal to help them exit the system and regain independence. 'At any given time, our shelters are housing 300-400 people overnight collectively. The idea is not to house more, but to house fewer because they are exiting the system stronger and better off,' Ramasike added. Image: Supplied Warmth in every stitch 'At Med-Lemon, we've long been trusted to bring warmth and relief to those battling colds and flu across the country,' said Bronwyn Hughes, Brand Manager for Med-Lemon at Haleon. 'Through this heartfelt initiative, we're honoured to extend that comfort in a more tangible way - by providing warm, specially knitted blankets to the beneficiaries at Impilo. Beyond warmth, this effort also supported skills development, with our knitting partners leading a meaningful educational session that empowered participants with both knowledge and connection.' Hughes added that Med-Lemon looks forward to expanding the initiative across the country – reaching more communities and reminding people experiencing homelessness that they are seen, valued, and supported. Nonhlanhla Zulu, Unit Leader for Outreach and Social Relief at Impilo Shelter emphasised the pivotal role external support played. 'When brands like Med-Lemon reach out, it means the world. Remember, we are a non-profit organisation, we can't do this alone, and every bit of support goes a long way. And for our beneficiaries, it affirms that they haven't been forgotten.' As South Africans honour Nelson Mandela's legacy this July, initiatives like Med-Lemon's act of service at Impilo Shelter serve as powerful reminders that restoring hope and dignity is a collective effort. Every stitch in a blanket, every meal served, and every hand extended reaffirms that change is possible – when we choose to see and uplift one another.
Mint
17 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
The Leader Within: Nurturing the next generation
The role of leadership has undergone a significant transformation in today's evolving professional landscape. With the rise of platforms like LinkedIn, leaders are increasingly vocal, sharing insights on key issues and organizational developments, making their presence more visible and their messaging more accessible. Yet, despite this visibility, a disconnect persists. While leaders may appear more approachable online, their presence can still feel distant or intimidating at the workplace. This sentiment is echoed in the Global Leadership Forecast 2025, which reports that trust in senior leaders remains low at 32%, while trust in immediate managers has declined sharply - from 46% in 2022 to 29% in 2024. To bridge this growing gap,Priyank Parakh, Director - HR, Haleon, emphasizes that leadership is most effective when it is physically visible, approachable, and emotionally connected—qualities that foster trust, inclusion, and long-term engagement across all levels of the organization. 'In a fast-growing organization like ours, we should focus on creating open and honest two-way interactions, not just through formal channels, but also in more personal, informal settings. These moments allow for real dialogue, active listening, and genuine bonds beyond hierarchy or function,' he says. Echoing a similar sentiment,Rajiv Nair, CHRO, Ramco Systems, notes that leaders need to just show up. He underscores the importance of being physically present where the work happens, rather than relying solely on calls or meetings. 'Never lose sight of the fact that people want to feel respected, heard, and valued,' he says. Speaking to Livemint, Rajiv tells that for him, being reachable, whether it's replying to a message, joining a coffee or lunch, or simply admitting 'I don't know', builds trust faster than any formal plan. Trust remains a foundational pillar of leadership. But nurturing the next generation of leaders is becoming increasingly difficult. The job market is uncertain. Gen Z's priorities and purpose-driven mindset are constantly evolving. This shift is reflected in Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z & Millennial Survey. Only 6% of Gen Z see entering senior leadership as their main career goal. That marks a fundamental change in ambition and highlights a growing disconnect between leadership development efforts and Gen Z's expectations. Ruchira Bhardwaj, Joint President & CHRO, Kotak Life, believes that this gap must be addressed early. 'Leadership should not be reserved for a select few. It's a muscle we start building early. Teams need to be intentionally cross-functional and cross-level, ensuring that younger employees work alongside experienced leaders while contributing meaningfully to strategic priorities. This creates visibility, builds confidence, and reinforces that leadership is not about hierarchy, it's about accountability, influence, and impact,' she says. She feels that the goal isn't to prepare the next generation someday, but to help them believe it's possible—and worth striving for—today. However, many organizations still struggle to bridge the gap between intent and perception. While leadership development may be a stated priority, younger employees don't always feel the impact. A Forbes study revealed that although 90% of executives believe they are developing strong leaders, 68% of Gen Z disagree, highlighting a clear perception gap. Recognizing this challenge,Sakshi Khosla, Head of People, CBRE India, also emphasizes that nurturing future leaders must be a top strategic priority. She highlights the importance of initiatives like Future Leadership, which identifies high-potential talent early in their careers and places them on accelerated development tracks. Speaking to Livemint, she says, 'This learning cultivates mutual growth and respect across generations. In terms of accessibility, we are continuously committed to demystifying leadership by sharing a transparent growth path and celebrating the success stories of those who have grown organically within our system.' Adding to this perspective,Anuradha Zingade, CHRO, Metal Power, highlights the importance of flatter organizational structures in bridging this gap. She believes that while many Gen Z employees prefer to begin as individual contributors, those who show leadership potential should be identified early and nurtured from the start. She further adds, 'Nurturing the next generation starts right at onboarding, with clear communication of roles and expectations, and continues through structured touchpoints, such as monthly leadership connections, allowing new employees to engage directly and candidly with senior leaders.' Employee engagement becomes a critical component of the empowered leadership culture. Harvard Business Review reports that transparent cultures are 2.3× more likely to foster engaged teams, while low transparency leads to a 42% drop in job satisfaction. Furthering the same thought, Khosla adds that the leadership team should not only be visible and approachable but also emotionally connected to every employee. 'In our rapidly expanding organization, this isn't a passive outcome, it demands a deliberate, multi-faceted approach that transcends traditional hierarchical communication in favour of more personal and frequent interactions.' She highlights the importance of cultivating transparency between leadership and employees through regular town halls and connect sessions, which empower employees to engage directly with senior leaders. 'When leaders communicate the tangible changes made based on employee suggestions, it builds credibility and reinforces that every voice is valued. These consistent engagements are precisely what bridge the gap, ensuring our leadership feels present, approachable, and genuinely connected to every individual across our diverse and growing workforce,' she concludes. Empowered leadership is not just about guiding people to break the glass ceiling, it's about removing the ceiling altogether! It means creating a workplace where anyone, regardless of background or designation, can rise, lead, and succeed. To manifest this vision, Mint, in partnership with Deloitte, has launched Mint India's Iconic Workplaces—a workplace excellence certification that recognizes organizations fostering bold, resilient, and inclusive leadership. Leadership that is both empathetic and unwavering, nurturing yet powerful.
Hi Dubai
7 days ago
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Tops Global Rankings in Health Inclusivity and Wellbeing Promotion, Haleon Index Reveals
The United Arab Emirates has ranked first globally in wellbeing promotion, community health outreach, and public involvement in health policy, according to the inaugural Health Inclusivity Index , developed by Haleon in collaboration with Economist Impact. The Index, which evaluates 40 countries across 58 indicators, was launched at a high-level event in Abu Dhabi themed 'From Awareness to Action: Building Healthier Communities Through Self-Care and Literacy.' The UAE also secured a top-five global ranking for person-centred healthcare and came second in inclusive health system implementation. Health literacy levels in the country have risen by 30% over the past three years, placing the UAE 10th globally in this category. These achievements reflect the country's efforts in increasing awareness, accessibility, and collaboration across sectors. The Index findings underscore the economic and social value of inclusive healthcare. For example: Reducing low health literacy by 25% could save the UAE $2.3 billion annually. Improved oral health could prevent $572 million in lifetime costs. Addressing anaemia in women of reproductive age could save $336 million each year. Managing gum disease more effectively could reduce diabetes-related costs by over $809 million over a decade. Tooth decay alone leads to $175 million in productivity losses annually, with 8.2 million work hours lost. Speakers at the event included Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri (Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre), Bradley Jones (UAE–UK Business Council), Arda Arat (Haleon), Paul Downey (Abu Dhabi Biobank), and Gerard Dunleavy (Economist Impact), all of whom emphasised the link between inclusive health strategies and economic resilience. The event marked the beginning of a multi-phase regional effort to embed health literacy and inclusivity into healthcare frameworks, ultimately shaping more equitable and sustainable systems across the MENA region. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
UAE Ranks First in Wellbeing Promotion, Haleon Health Inclusivity Index Finds - Middle East Business News and Information
Ranking among indexed countries highlight the UAE's world-class healthcare system as it boosts investment in inclusive, accessible, and preventative healthcare. Improved health literacy could save hundreds of millions of dollars in healthcare costs, report finds. Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE ranks first globally in health outreach programmes, community participation in health policy, and wellbeing promotion, according to the newly launched Health Inclusivity Index , developed by Haleon in partnership with Economist Impact. The findings were unveiled at a high-level panel discussion in Abu Dhabi hosted by Haleon, the UAE-UK Business Council, and Economist Impact under the theme 'From Awareness to Action: Building Healthier Communities Through Self-Care and Literacy.' The event convened senior leadership across government, academia, and the healthcare sector including the Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, MPH, MA, DrPH, FRCPI, Executive Director of Community Health Sector, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre; Arda Arat, General Manager, GNE, Haleon; Dr. Bhawani Bhatnagar, Senior Vice President Clinical Innovation, Daman; Paul Downey, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Biobank; and Gerard Dunleavy, Senior Consultant, Economist Impact, Health Policy. Opening remarks were delivered by Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, followed by a special address from Bradley Jones, Executive Director of the Joint Secretariat of the UAE–UK Business Council, who highlighted the Council's role in fostering bilateral collaboration in healthcare and beyond. The Index benchmarks 40 countries across 58 indicators, evaluating their performance in health literacy, outreach, inclusion, and equity. The UAE ranked among the top performers, highlighting its global leadership in inclusive and preventative healthcare. The UAE is among the top five countries globally among the indexed countries for person-centred healthcare and second for inclusive health system implementation. The UAE ranks tenth globally in health literacy, with levels increasing by 30% over the past three years. This outcome reflects the ongoing growth of public awareness as well as expanded outreach, enhanced access, and strategic cross sectoral partnerships. The Index also highlights the impact of inclusive health models that remove systemic barriers – especially for women, low-income individuals, adults over 50, and those with low health literacy – on economic resilience. Reducing low health literacy by 25% in the UAE could generate $2.3 billion annually in healthcare savings for the nation. Moreover, low health literacy is associated with 2.8 times higher health costs per person, emphasising the importance of targeted interventions. Enhancing oral health could save $572 million in lifetime costs related to tooth decay. Over 8.2 million working hours are lost every year due to tooth decay and healthcare issues that arise from it incurring over $175 million per year in productivity losses. Addressing anaemia among women of reproductive age – currently affecting 24.3% – could save $336 million annually in healthcare costs. Additionally, improved gum disease management could also reduce costs related to Type 2 diabetes by over $809 million over a decade. Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health Sector, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre said: 'At Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, we are committed to building inclusive, prevention-led systems that empower individuals and protect communities. This gathering reflects our shared belief that health promotion, awareness, and collaboration are key to shaping a more resilient and equitable future for all.' Bradley Jones; Executive Director of the Joint Secretariat of the UAE – UK Business Council, said: 'As a member of the UAE-UK Business Council, Haleon exemplifies the kind of purpose-driven collaboration between the UAE and the UK we champion. This convening of public and private sector thought leaders in health and wellbeing reflects our shared commitment to advancing inclusive health systems and turning data into action that benefits communities across both nations.' Arda Arat, General Manager, GNE, Haleon said: 'The Index is more than a measurement tool – it's a call to action. It shows how removing barriers to everyday health can strengthen economics and societies. The UAE's leadership in outreach and person-centred care is a powerful example of how inclusive systems drive wellbeing and national resilience. At Haleon, we're committed to empowering people through self-care so that lack of awareness or information never stands in the way of people achieving better health.' Paul Downey, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Biobank said: 'Inclusive health research begins with public understanding. By improving health literacy and harnessing the vast potential of biological and medical data, we're not only increasing participation, but we're also ensuring that the future of healthcare is shaped by the full diversity of the people it serves. That is exactly what Abu Dhabi Biobank is committed to delivering, thus contributing to solutions for local and global health challenges with precision and purpose.' Gerard Dunleavy, Senior Consultant, Economist Impact, Health Policy said: 'Health literacy and inclusivity are not just moral imperatives — they are the bedrock of a thriving economy. The Health Inclusivity Index demonstrates the substantial economic benefits of tackling systemic health inequalities. When nations prioritize health literacy and inclusion, they realize measurable gains: reduced healthcare expenditures, increased workforce participation, and communities that are more resilient and prosperous'. About Haleon: Haleon (LSE / NYSE: HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon's product portfolio spans five major categories – Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Other, and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS). Its long-standing brands – such as Advil, Sensodyne, Panadol, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, Polident, parodontax and Centrum – are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding.
