Shaping Policy, Empowering People – Putting Self-care at the Heart of Better Everyday Health

Advancing Health Inclusivity: Turning Insights into Action

Drawing on insights from Economist Impact’s latest Health Inclusivity Index, supported by Haleon, we’re using findings – like the need for stronger health literacy and equitable access – to inform conversations with industry leaders and policymakers.¹ Earlier this year, these themes were central to discussions at The Economist Future of Health Summit, where Brian McNamara, CEO at Haleon, urged policymakers to see health inclusion as an investment into stronger economies and societies rather than as a cost. He also emphasised the need to address health conditions that usually go untreated, such as anaemia, the most common deficiency in the world, affecting 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women of reproductive age.²

Building Healthier Systems: Championing Self-Care

In November 2025, we were proud to be a lead partner at the POLITICO Health Care Summit in Brussels. From sparking conversations to challenging misconceptions at our interactive booth, the Haleon team championed the vital role of our brands – reaching 200 million people across EU markets – in easing pressure on overstretched systems across the region.

At the event, Filippo Lanzi, President of EMEA and LatAm at Haleon, reinforced the critical role of self-care in Europe’s health agenda, highlighting that without OTC medicines, each GP would need to work an extra 2.4 hours every day^.3  Jayant Singh, Head of Global Oral Health at Haleon, also brought this to life through the lens of oral health, highlighting how barriers in health literacy and access prevent people from taking control of their own health. Together, they both made compelling cases for embedding self-care as the core pillar of health prevention.

Closing the Gap: Starting with Health Inequalities

Health system pressures are not felt equally. Inequalities mean underserved communities face greater barriers to care. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Adam Sisson, Head of R&D for Oral Health, joined Devex on a panel to champion the importance of oral health being formally recognised in the Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health. He showcased how our meaningful brands and public-private partnerships are empowering people to take control of their everyday health and helping close the incidence-treatment gap. 

Take a look:

• Southeast Asia: Our Polident Smiles Can’t Wait programme works with local governments and NGOs to provide free dentures and oral health education.
• South Africa: The Aquafresh Library initiative partners with schools and local authorities to teach children about oral health.
• UK: Through the Tesco Stronger Starts programme, we provide expert resources to teach children how to look after their teeth and gums.
• US: We’ve collaborated with Walmart and Remote Area Medical to deliver free dental services and oral health education in some of the most underserved regions in the US.
• India: In partnership with local dentists, our India team raised awareness by carrying out individual online dental screenings in India. 27,396 people later, we earned the Guiness World Record for the ‘most online dental screening tests completed in 24 hours’.
• Egypt: Teaming up with the Egyptian Dental Association, Our Sensodyne Smile Bank initiative will provide free dental check-ups and treatments to one million Egyptians annually for three years.

The pressures on health systems are immense, but solutions start with prevention, health literacy and inclusivity. Globally, there is a major opportunity to modernise regulations so people can access better everyday health products more easily and quickly. That’s why we’re collaborating for impact - shaping a healthier future together by putting self-care at the heart of better everyday health.