Haleon Partners with WPP to Launch ‘HealthNxt’ Initiative in India

Haleon, the global leader in consumer healthcare (formerly GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), has unveiled its ambitious ‘HealthNxt’ initiative in India. Announced on November 14, 2024, the initiative aims to expand access to healthcare, improve education, and leverage technology to empower individuals across India.

Launched in partnership with WPP, the HealthNxt initiative focuses on overcoming key barriers to healthcare, such as affordability, lack of awareness, and limited access to technology. Through its #HealthInMoreHands commitment, Haleon intends to democratise healthcare by providing accessible health information, expanding product availability, and forming strategic collaborations with technology partners.

The event featured various panels and fireside chats, with a notable conversation between Mr. Navneet Saluja, General Manager – BU, India Subcontinent at Haleon, and Kedar Lele, Managing Director of Castrol, discussing the importance of consumer-obsession in today’s market. Other discussions explored topics such as the role of technology in health education and diagnosis, AI and XR in personalised healthcare, and the influence of digital commerce on broader access to health solutions.

Prominent industry leaders also joined the event, including Gulshan Verma, CEO of JioAds; Rajnil Mallik, Partner & Gen AI GTM Leader at PwC India; Anish Shrivastav, Revenue Head at Blinkit; and Milind Soman, actor and fitness enthusiast. In addition, Ms. Anurita Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer at Haleon ISC, and Bhuman Dani, Founder of WickedGud, discussed evolving strategies in CPG and D2C marketing.

Speaking about the HealthNxt initiative, Mr. Saluja said, “In India, quality healthcare is often a privilege, not a right. Millions of people face significant barriers to care, from geographical limitations and affordability challenges to a lack of awareness about preventive health. HealthNxt is our commitment to dismantling these barriers and making healthcare more accessible for all, by leveraging technology and education to empower individuals.”

Anurita Chopra added, “HealthNxt is about building a supportive ecosystem that encourages healthier lifestyles and ensures quality healthcare is accessible to all. With our partners, we’re paving the way for a healthier tomorrow, one step at a time.”

Commenting on the collaboration with Haleon, Mr. CVL Srinivas, Country Manager – India at WPP, said, “The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving with new technology. HealthNxt creates an important platform for connecting brands and consumers, offering better access to healthcare through education and innovation."

The event concluded with an interactive session focused on generating innovative solutions aligned with Haleon’s flagship brands, further solidifying the company’s commitment to partnerships that foster impactful change in healthcare access and education across India.