The Gulf region stands at a pivotal moment in its healthcare evolution. While 2025 witnessed significant advancements in care delivery and digital health, the most profound transformation is the increasing focus on prevention. Healthcare is no longer defined solely by treatment and recovery; today, it is about empowering individuals, fostering resilient communities, and embedding wellness and sustainability at the core of policy and practice.
Haleon’s commitment to self-care and health literacy is closely aligned with these regional priorities, supporting both public health objectives and economic development. The advantages of enhanced self-care are considerable, resulting in improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and substantial cost efficiencies for healthcare systems.
Chronic diseases cost the GCC tens of billions annually, yet every dollar invested in preventive measures delivers exponential returns. This economic reality is fuelling a wave of wellness-focused policies and partnerships, creating fertile ground for innovation and collaboration between governments, private players, and technology providers.
Equipping healthcare professionals with up-to-date knowledge and practical tools remains central to our mission and commitment to self-care and health literacy. To this end, we established the Pain Management Institute, which supports clinicians in managing pain more effectively through education and early intervention. By prioritising prevention, we aim to mitigate the progression of pain into persistent, chronic conditions, thereby enhancing patients’ quality of life.
In the same spirit of advancing healthcare, we have partnered with Economist Impact to develop a Health Inclusivity Index for the region. This initiative provides policymakers and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of existing barriers to care and offers actionable strategies to address them. By evaluating the social and economic impact of health equity, the Index is already contributing to the development of more inclusive and resilient healthcare systems that deliver enduring value to communities.
The Index benchmarked 40 countries across 58 indicators, and the UAE ranked among the top five globally for person-centred healthcare, second for inclusive health system implementation, and tenth in health literacy, with levels increasing by 30 per cent over the past three years.
Looking ahead, Haleon is committed to scaling its digital innovations and deepening partnerships to reach even more communities. The goal is to make self-care and health literacy accessible and actionable for everyone, ensuring that health inclusivity remains central to the region’s progress. By working collaboratively with partners across the industry, Haleon is helping to build a future where better everyday health is within everyone’s reach.
The region is poised to lead globally in preventive health, but success will demand bold, collective action. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to create systems that prioritise long-term resilience over short-term gains. As we enter 2026, the opportunity is ours to redefine healthcare as a proactive force for equity, innovation, and hope. At Haleon, we are committed to being part of this journey. Together, we can ensure that health is protected, nurtured, and sustained for generations to come.
