Haleon’s Charles Leslie shares emerging trends in consumer healthcare

In an interview with Gulf Business, Charles Leslie, global business lead for the Pain Portfolio & Systemics at Haleon, outlines key consumer health trends reshaping the healthcare sector, with a focus on self-care, personalised wellness, and the growing role of technology.

Leslie also highlights Haleon’s initiatives, including the launch of the Haleon Pain Management Institute (HPMI) and the company’s strategic focus on the UAE and GCC regions, to meet the evolving healthcare needs of consumers.

What are the key consumer health trends shaping the healthcare sector today?

The healthcare sector is undergoing a profound transformation, fueled by consumer health trends that are reshaping how we view health and wellness. One of the most noticeable trends is an increased emphasis on self-care. Consumers are becoming more proactive in managing their health, thanks to increased access to information and a growing recognition of the value of preventative care. This is especially evident in the growing demand for over-the-counter products, which offer convenient and affordable solutions to everyday health issues.

Another significant trend is personalized health and wellness, as consumers are seeking tailored solutions that fit their lifestyles. This shift is being driven by technological and data advancements, which allow for more precise and individualized care.

Haleon embraces these trends by focusing on everyday health through initiatives such as the Haleon Pain Management Institute, which empowers consumers and healthcare professionals to create a more accessible, effective, and sustainable healthcare future.

What role does technology play in transforming consumer healthcare? How has this changed since the pandemic and how do you see this progressing over the years?

Technology helps to transform consumer healthcare by empowering both individuals and healthcare professionals. Haleon uses technology to enhance understanding, drive product innovation, and improve access to everyday health. Since the pandemic, the role of technology has grown significantly, allowing us to communicate more directly with consumers and healthcare providers. Digital health initiatives have become critical to providing accessible, dependable, and personalised health solutions.

Looking ahead, advancements in digital platforms, data-driven insights, and artificial intelligence will continue to improve personalized care and close healthcare access gaps. Technology is critical to our mission of delivering everyday health to humanity, ensuring a future where healthcare is more accessible, effective, and sustainable for all.

Why is pain management a critical focus area for Haleon, and how does the newly launched HPMI contribute to addressing this need?

Pain is a widespread phenomenon. Haleon’s proprietary social stud, the 5th edition of the Haleon Pain Index [HPI 5] has uncovered startling figures. Over 91 per cent of the world’s population suffers from pain each year. Pain has a direct impact on the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

Chronic and acute pain are two of the most common health issues, affecting not only individuals but also putting significant strain on healthcare systems. At Haleon, we believe that effectively addressing pain requires providing patients and healthcare professionals with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to manage it holistically.

The newly established Haleon Pain Management Institute (HPMI) represents a significant step in this direction. Its mission is to advance the science of pain through innovative research, strategic partnerships, and customised education programmes.

The HPMI fosters better patient outcomes by equipping frontline healthcare providers with cutting-edge skills and a deeper understanding of patient behaviour. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving everyday health and effecting meaningful change in how pain is understood and managed.

What inspired the company to choose the UAE and GCC as a key focus area for the HPMI and other healthcare initiatives?

This is the first time we have included a country from the region in HPI 5. Because of their dynamic healthcare landscape and commitment to innovation, the UAE and the wider GCC region were natural choices for Haleon to focus its efforts on the HPMI and other healthcare initiatives. The region is actively advancing healthcare infrastructure and policy, making it an ideal partner for initiatives that aim to improve everyday health.

The UAE, in particular, has established itself as a global hub for healthcare innovation and a pioneer in implementing forward-thinking approaches. Its strategic vision is closely aligned with Haleon’s mission to provide accessible and sustainable healthcare, particularly in the areas of pain management, preventative care, and health literacy. Therefore, it makes complete sense for us to launch our global initiative here in the UAE.

Furthermore, the GCC’s diverse population and unique healthcare challenges, such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, highlight the critical importance of initiatives like the HPMI. Haleon’s focus on this region not only addresses local health needs, but also contributes to global healthcare advancements.

What is the company’s vision for the future of consumer healthcare, and how does it align with global health equity?

Haleon’s vision for the future of consumer healthcare is based on empowering people to take control of their health while making everyday healthcare more accessible, sustainable, and innovative. We are committed to improving health outcomes by emphasizing preventative care, health literacy, and personalised solutions that address the unique needs of individuals and communities. This vision centres on global health equity. Haleon believes that healthcare access should be a universal right rather than a privilege.

Haleon works to bridge gaps in healthcare access by promoting self-care practices and fostering partnerships with healthcare professionals, ensuring that its mission of everyday health with humanity benefits individuals and communities worldwide.

Preventative healthcare is becoming an increasingly important aspect of consumer health. How is Haleon addressing this growing demand, and what role do your products play in helping consumers proactively manage their health?

Preventative healthcare is a key component of Haleon’s commitment to improving overall health. We believe that empowering individuals to take proactive steps to manage their health is critical to meeting the growing global demand for sustainable and affordable healthcare solutions. Our trusted brands play a key role in preventative care by providing solutions to help consumers maintain their health. Centrum, for example, supports nutritional needs, whereas Sensodyne and Parodontax promote oral health and help prevent more serious dental issues.

In addition to our products, Haleon supports initiatives that promote health literacy and empower consumers to make informed decisions. We promote preventative health through education campaigns, pharmacist programs, and partnerships.

Haleon helps people take control of their health journeys by raising awareness and providing accessible solutions, thereby reducing the strain on healthcare systems.

How does Haleon approach educating consumers on the importance of self-care and health management? What strategies do you use to ensure that consumers are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare?

At Haleon, educating consumers about self-care and health management is central to our mission of providing everyday health to humanity.

In the region, we prioritize tailored initiatives that address specific health needs and raise awareness. For example, the ‘Healthy Saudi Smile’ campaign in Saudi Arabia raises oral health awareness by educating the public about proper brushing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and how oral health affects overall wellbeing. Additionally, Haleon has implemented an AI-powered Health Inclusivity Screener to ensure that health messages are accessible, culturally relevant, and understandable to the region’s diverse populations.

We empower consumers to make informed healthcare decisions through these campaigns, pharmacist training programs, and social media outreach. By increasing health literacy, we hope to help people live healthier lives and have a positive impact on their communities.

How does the company view the future of consumer healthcare in emerging markets, particularly in the GCC and wider MENA region? What are the unique opportunities and challenges you foresee in these markets?

Haleon’s vision for the future of consumer healthcare is centred on emerging markets, particularly those in the GCC and MENA regions. These regions present significant opportunities, including increased awareness of preventative health and self-care, and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way with innovative healthcare policies and a digitally connected population eager to adopt proactive health management. There is also a sharp – and unexpected – generational divide in the way people experience pain, suggesting that younger rather than older patients struggle most with making their pain known.

More than 70 per cent of the people who said their pain had been treated differently, did not believe or discriminated against versus 40 per cent of the baby boomers. As one of the regions with some of the youngest populations, we must step up our activities to address these challenges. Our initiatives in these markets are aimed at addressing consumer issues like health literacy and the adoption of self-care habits. We want to empower people to take control of their health.

The main challenge, as for any market, would be aligning with local needs. By doing so and leveraging expertise, we can assist in achieving sustainable, accessible healthcare solutions.

The UAE is positioning itself as a healthcare hub in the region. How do you see Haleon contributing to the country’s vision for healthcare, and what specific challenges or opportunities does the UAE present in the consumer healthcare space?

The UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision seeks to establish the country as a global leader in healthcare by emphasising advanced, integrated, and accessible healthcare systems. Haleon is closely aligned with this goal, driving initiatives that empower people to take control of their health and promote preventative care.

We prioritise health literacy as a critical area for advancing the UAE’s goals. By educating consumers through targeted campaigns and partnering with healthcare professionals, we hope to bridge gaps in awareness and enable informed decision-making.

The UAE’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation opens up opportunities for Haleon to expand its reach via advanced platforms. Adapting to evolving regulations and meeting the needs of a growing population will require ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders. Haleon continues to support the UAE’s healthcare vision by aligning our efforts with the country’s objectives for accessible, sustainable, and innovative healthcare.

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