HEALTH
As a major player in economic development, business has the potential to make a substantial impact on global health. Improving healthcare, fighting disease, and increasing life expectancy are all essential for sustainable economic growth and long-term business success.
IBLF’s aim is to make the business case for a response to global health issues by demonstrating the impact health has to a company’s bottom line.
Business & Health
Responsibility for fighting global health issues lies with governments, but businesses - especially those operating in developing countries - can play a constructive role in improving the capacity of local public services, NGOs and civil society to deliver healthcare and related services. Evidence shows that failure on the part of governments, and the private sector, to help lift people out of poverty by improving their health and prosperity is likely to exacerbate inequalities and sources of conflict, which in turn will undermine long-term business success. Traditionally, providing adequate access to health services has been a function of government. However, increasingly companies are paying greater attention to ensuring the well-being of their employees, and to public health issues within their communities. As well as ensuring a safe working environment, protecting their workforce means dealing with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB, as well as the growing economic consequences of chronic diseases - such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers and mental health problems.
The Business Case
Evidence shows that companies that invest in a healthy workforce benefit from increased productivity and morale, as well as lower absenteeism and healthcare costs, all of which pose a serious threat to company competitiveness. Corporate engagement in health initiatives can also improve a company's reputation, as well as help find new business opportunities. In short: a healthy community means more productive workers, more prosperous customers, the potential for new markets and increased sources of income.
What does this mean in practice?
There are many spheres in which business can contribute to enhancing efforts to improve health – within the workplace, marketplace, community, as well as the policy domain. Obviously, the contribution a particular company can make depends on the industry sector involved and the type of intervention. For example, pharmaceutical companies deliver essential medicines and healthcare; food companies help provide a safe and nutritious diet; heavy industry ensures the safety of its workers and so on. Although the business community has opportunities to engage in health at all levels, specific sectors/companies will usually be motivated by those health concerns most relevant to their key economic interests.
IBLF's Approach
• Supporting and advising our corporate partners on health related issues.
• Developing tools & frameworks to enable and mobilise business to tackle key public health issues.
• Influencing policy and promoting strategic partnerships to facilitate multi-sector working on health issues.
• Developing and implementing pilot projects on the ground – in communities, countries, and regions.
IBLF has published a number of reports, which address different health challenges for business - from strengthening public health systems to improving sanitation and tackling obesity. View IBLF's health-related publications
Examples of current projects are listed below:
Health related MDGs
At the UN summit in New York, business has been called to act by Governments and the United Nations to help make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. IBLF and the GAVI Alliance have joined forces to promote the achievement of the health related MDGs:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
This will start with a multi-stakeholder event in 2009: “All About Health – Let’s show we mean Business”. By promoting a dialogue that includes business, we aim to raise awareness and involve the private sector in the global health policy debate and identify opportunities for corporate engagement in health and development. The event will begin with an opening address, given by Graça Machel, former First Lady and Minister of Education in Mozambique. The programme will include presentations from distinguished panelists, and in-depth roundtable discussions on specific health issues such as malaria, new health technologies for women, food security and information technology. These sessions will be facilitated by leading experts in the field and will focus on how business expertise can enhance global health and facilitate potential cross sector partnerships.
Business and the Millennium Development Goals: A Framework for Action
Business Call to Action
Tackling the Rise of Chronic Diseases
The impact of lifestyle related chronic diseases is an increasing burden on both business and society – yet it is largely preventable through healthier diets and more physical activity. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic diseases – such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and respiratory diseases – account for 59 percent of the 56.5 million deaths annually. Chronic disease levels are rising particularly fast in urban populations around the world and the social and economic costs are of major concern to business.
HEAL Global Partnership
After facilitating a business dialogue for the WHO on its Global strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, in 2004 IBLF set up The HEAL Global Partnership, which ran from 2004 to 2007 and is now part of the IBLF health programme. HEAL aims to promote and facilitate action by business as part of the solution to the massive increase in chronic lifestyle-related diseases around the world linked to overweight, obesity, poor diets and a lack of physical activity. The programme offers a positive, non-competitive platform for all sectors of industry to work with other non-business partners and to devise innovative solutions and implement action as part of a sustainable business response to the problem.
Chronic Diseases in Latin America
Urbanisation and economic development have changed lifestyles across Latin America, including Mexico - but not always for the better. As a result of evolving food habits and more sedentary lifestyles, Mexicans have become increasingly overweight - and diabetes, hyper tension and chronic diseases are now some of the country's main worries, and costs to the economy.
On 3 April 2008, IBLF brought together over 70 leaders across different sectors to discuss the role that business, together with others, can play in responding to the massive increase in chronic lifestyle-related diseases in Mexico. “Promoting Active Living in Mexico" was the second event that IBLF has held in Mexico as part of its health and well-being activities. The first took place in 2005 and was dedicated to Healthy Eating.
Watch the video below to find out more about the issue and IBLF's event.
Read more about the event.
Watch the video about the event.
View photos from the event.
Read a recent eBulletin on the issue of obesity in Mexico.
Consumer Health
IBLF continues to work with the Food and Beverage industry on the impact of changes in diet and lifestyles on public health. In 2006, IBLF developed a Framework: “ A Recipe for Success: how food companies can profit from consumer health”, which includes a series of recommendations as to how companies should address consumer health and obesity issues, from corporate strategy and governance, to reformulating products and funding consumer and employee health programmes.
Based on this framework, in April 2008, Insight Investment and JPMorgan published an in-depth analysis of ten of the world’s leading food companies’ policies and practices regarding obesity and related health concerns: “The Proof of the Pudding” ( download pdf). One of their findings was that there are variable approaches to marketing, and that there is a need for companies to improve their practices and policies, particularly with regard to children (see below under Responsible Marketing).
Responsible Marketing
The marketing, advertising and promotion of consumer goods, particularly where it concerns children, is an area of increasing controversy for food and beverage companies, toy manufacturers, the games industry, retailers, advertisers and other consumer good industries. Increasingly, companies market their products through Non-Traditiona/Digital Marketing techniques, which presents the consumer goods industry with new and exciting marketing opportunities, but also with new challenges and risks.
As governments and civil society groups across the world seek to limit and regulate the volume and type of marketing in an effort to protect children from consumerism, for example to curb rising rates of obesity and mitigate other health or social risks. There is an increasing pressure on companies to devise, and clearly communicate, responsible marketing policies to all consumers, with particular reference to children.
On October 9th and November 5th 2008, IBLF hosted two gatherings involving different stakeholders (from the private sector, NGOs, government, consumer groups, and academia) to explore in more depth the concept and practice of responsible marketing in a digital world. Further activities and follow up actions are currently under development. This includes working with industry to explore the role of the Internet/Digital technology to protect and educate consumers on health related matters, and identify rules of engagement for sectors to work together.
Fighting Malnutrition
Malnutrition affects more than a third of the world’s population. Not only is it an urgent global health issue, it is also an impediment to productivity, economic growth and poverty reduction. Responsibility for addressing global health issues lies with governments, but the private sector – especially companies operating in developing countries - can be an important partner and play a constructive role in providing solutions. Business as a Partner in Overcoming Malnutrition: An Agenda for Action
IBLF has a long-standing relationship with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a leading NGO that aims to reduce malnutrition through the use of food fortification and other strategies aimed at improving the health and nutrition of populations at risk.
In association with GAIN, IBLF has created the GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition. The GAIN Business Award recognises and rewards companies engaging in innovations designed to fight malnutrition, improve public health and promote sustainable development. The Award gives recognition and inspiration to companies from any business sector, engaged in promoting solutions to malnutrition across a wide range of activities in the marketplace, workplace and community, as well as in the policy domain. The Award is designed to stimulate innovation that delivers improved nutrition for the poor and recognises the value of partnerships. Finally, the Award aims to bring malnutrition and other health issues to the attention of the world media, and to promote sustainable business practices. The deadline for submitting an entry to the GAIN Business Award 2008 is now closed. We will announce the winner of this year’s Award at the beginning of 2009.
World Malaria Day 2008
In recognition of the first World Malaria Day in 2008, IBLF jointly organised with Malaria Consortium, the Nigerian Organisation of Women and the Trade Union Congress an event entitled "World Malaria Day in the UK: Mobilising to Save Lives", with the aim to call for the mobilsation and commitments for action by all UK civil society stakeholders in the response to malaria. The panel comprised of Stephen O'Brien (MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria), Gail Cartmail (TUC General Council and Assistant General Secretary of Unite the Union), Martha Osamor (Chairperson, Nigerian Organisation of Women & African Women's Welfare Association), Justine Frain (VP Global Comunity Partnerships, GSK) and Edwin Nichols (Global Constituency Manager, World AIDS Campaign). The event was chaired by Andrew Jack from the Financial Times and was attended by a cross-sector audience of approximately 85 people. Read more
IBLF Russia: "Business for a Healthy Society"
In conjunction with IBLF's health programme, this project promotes increased awareness and good practices to combat bad health habits and injuries in Russia. The initiative has focused so far on health in the workplace. IBLF Russia organises regular meetings of the Business for a Healthy Society working group, which is comprised of Heads of Health and Safety of 40 companies and, with the help of the World Bank, has introduced a "Health Audit" methodology. A new initiative in 2008, led by Philips and Johnson & Johnson, focuses on the role business can play in helping the public at large lead healthier lives. Read more about IBLF Russia
Examples of IBLF's past work on health
IBLF has pioneered several of the business and health initiatives since the early 1990’s. IBLF has worked with UN agencies, and others, on various projects including: road safety and accident prevention; the business and HIV/AIDS initiative with UNAIDS and UNDP and the WHO partnerships for Health Promotion. IBLF has also responded to business concerns around water and sanitation, malaria, avian flue, partnership building, and health and IT initiatives.
IBLF has partnered with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2001 on a programme to improve working conditions in footwear factories. The programme has been highly successful and is now being transferred to the garment industry. Read more
IBLF’s aim is to make the business case for a response to global health issues by demonstrating the impact health has to a company’s bottom line.
Business & Health
Responsibility for fighting global health issues lies with governments, but businesses - especially those operating in developing countries - can play a constructive role in improving the capacity of local public services, NGOs and civil society to deliver healthcare and related services. Evidence shows that failure on the part of governments, and the private sector, to help lift people out of poverty by improving their health and prosperity is likely to exacerbate inequalities and sources of conflict, which in turn will undermine long-term business success. Traditionally, providing adequate access to health services has been a function of government. However, increasingly companies are paying greater attention to ensuring the well-being of their employees, and to public health issues within their communities. As well as ensuring a safe working environment, protecting their workforce means dealing with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB, as well as the growing economic consequences of chronic diseases - such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers and mental health problems.
The Business Case
Evidence shows that companies that invest in a healthy workforce benefit from increased productivity and morale, as well as lower absenteeism and healthcare costs, all of which pose a serious threat to company competitiveness. Corporate engagement in health initiatives can also improve a company's reputation, as well as help find new business opportunities. In short: a healthy community means more productive workers, more prosperous customers, the potential for new markets and increased sources of income.
What does this mean in practice?
There are many spheres in which business can contribute to enhancing efforts to improve health – within the workplace, marketplace, community, as well as the policy domain. Obviously, the contribution a particular company can make depends on the industry sector involved and the type of intervention. For example, pharmaceutical companies deliver essential medicines and healthcare; food companies help provide a safe and nutritious diet; heavy industry ensures the safety of its workers and so on. Although the business community has opportunities to engage in health at all levels, specific sectors/companies will usually be motivated by those health concerns most relevant to their key economic interests.
IBLF's Approach
• Supporting and advising our corporate partners on health related issues.
• Developing tools & frameworks to enable and mobilise business to tackle key public health issues.
• Influencing policy and promoting strategic partnerships to facilitate multi-sector working on health issues.
• Developing and implementing pilot projects on the ground – in communities, countries, and regions.
IBLF has published a number of reports, which address different health challenges for business - from strengthening public health systems to improving sanitation and tackling obesity. View IBLF's health-related publications
Examples of current projects are listed below:
Health related MDGs
At the UN summit in New York, business has been called to act by Governments and the United Nations to help make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. IBLF and the GAVI Alliance have joined forces to promote the achievement of the health related MDGs:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
This will start with a multi-stakeholder event in 2009: “All About Health – Let’s show we mean Business”. By promoting a dialogue that includes business, we aim to raise awareness and involve the private sector in the global health policy debate and identify opportunities for corporate engagement in health and development. The event will begin with an opening address, given by Graça Machel, former First Lady and Minister of Education in Mozambique. The programme will include presentations from distinguished panelists, and in-depth roundtable discussions on specific health issues such as malaria, new health technologies for women, food security and information technology. These sessions will be facilitated by leading experts in the field and will focus on how business expertise can enhance global health and facilitate potential cross sector partnerships.
Business and the Millennium Development Goals: A Framework for Action
Business Call to Action
Tackling the Rise of Chronic Diseases
The impact of lifestyle related chronic diseases is an increasing burden on both business and society – yet it is largely preventable through healthier diets and more physical activity. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic diseases – such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and respiratory diseases – account for 59 percent of the 56.5 million deaths annually. Chronic disease levels are rising particularly fast in urban populations around the world and the social and economic costs are of major concern to business.
HEAL Global Partnership
After facilitating a business dialogue for the WHO on its Global strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, in 2004 IBLF set up The HEAL Global Partnership, which ran from 2004 to 2007 and is now part of the IBLF health programme. HEAL aims to promote and facilitate action by business as part of the solution to the massive increase in chronic lifestyle-related diseases around the world linked to overweight, obesity, poor diets and a lack of physical activity. The programme offers a positive, non-competitive platform for all sectors of industry to work with other non-business partners and to devise innovative solutions and implement action as part of a sustainable business response to the problem.
Chronic Diseases in Latin America
Urbanisation and economic development have changed lifestyles across Latin America, including Mexico - but not always for the better. As a result of evolving food habits and more sedentary lifestyles, Mexicans have become increasingly overweight - and diabetes, hyper tension and chronic diseases are now some of the country's main worries, and costs to the economy.
On 3 April 2008, IBLF brought together over 70 leaders across different sectors to discuss the role that business, together with others, can play in responding to the massive increase in chronic lifestyle-related diseases in Mexico. “Promoting Active Living in Mexico" was the second event that IBLF has held in Mexico as part of its health and well-being activities. The first took place in 2005 and was dedicated to Healthy Eating.
Watch the video below to find out more about the issue and IBLF's event.
Read more about the event.
Watch the video about the event.
View photos from the event.
Read a recent eBulletin on the issue of obesity in Mexico.
Consumer Health
IBLF continues to work with the Food and Beverage industry on the impact of changes in diet and lifestyles on public health. In 2006, IBLF developed a Framework: “ A Recipe for Success: how food companies can profit from consumer health”, which includes a series of recommendations as to how companies should address consumer health and obesity issues, from corporate strategy and governance, to reformulating products and funding consumer and employee health programmes.
Based on this framework, in April 2008, Insight Investment and JPMorgan published an in-depth analysis of ten of the world’s leading food companies’ policies and practices regarding obesity and related health concerns: “The Proof of the Pudding” ( download pdf). One of their findings was that there are variable approaches to marketing, and that there is a need for companies to improve their practices and policies, particularly with regard to children (see below under Responsible Marketing).
Responsible Marketing
The marketing, advertising and promotion of consumer goods, particularly where it concerns children, is an area of increasing controversy for food and beverage companies, toy manufacturers, the games industry, retailers, advertisers and other consumer good industries. Increasingly, companies market their products through Non-Traditiona/Digital Marketing techniques, which presents the consumer goods industry with new and exciting marketing opportunities, but also with new challenges and risks.
As governments and civil society groups across the world seek to limit and regulate the volume and type of marketing in an effort to protect children from consumerism, for example to curb rising rates of obesity and mitigate other health or social risks. There is an increasing pressure on companies to devise, and clearly communicate, responsible marketing policies to all consumers, with particular reference to children.
On October 9th and November 5th 2008, IBLF hosted two gatherings involving different stakeholders (from the private sector, NGOs, government, consumer groups, and academia) to explore in more depth the concept and practice of responsible marketing in a digital world. Further activities and follow up actions are currently under development. This includes working with industry to explore the role of the Internet/Digital technology to protect and educate consumers on health related matters, and identify rules of engagement for sectors to work together.
Fighting Malnutrition
Malnutrition affects more than a third of the world’s population. Not only is it an urgent global health issue, it is also an impediment to productivity, economic growth and poverty reduction. Responsibility for addressing global health issues lies with governments, but the private sector – especially companies operating in developing countries - can be an important partner and play a constructive role in providing solutions. Business as a Partner in Overcoming Malnutrition: An Agenda for Action
IBLF has a long-standing relationship with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a leading NGO that aims to reduce malnutrition through the use of food fortification and other strategies aimed at improving the health and nutrition of populations at risk.
In association with GAIN, IBLF has created the GAIN Business Award for Innovation in Nutrition. The GAIN Business Award recognises and rewards companies engaging in innovations designed to fight malnutrition, improve public health and promote sustainable development. The Award gives recognition and inspiration to companies from any business sector, engaged in promoting solutions to malnutrition across a wide range of activities in the marketplace, workplace and community, as well as in the policy domain. The Award is designed to stimulate innovation that delivers improved nutrition for the poor and recognises the value of partnerships. Finally, the Award aims to bring malnutrition and other health issues to the attention of the world media, and to promote sustainable business practices. The deadline for submitting an entry to the GAIN Business Award 2008 is now closed. We will announce the winner of this year’s Award at the beginning of 2009. World Malaria Day 2008
In recognition of the first World Malaria Day in 2008, IBLF jointly organised with Malaria Consortium, the Nigerian Organisation of Women and the Trade Union Congress an event entitled "World Malaria Day in the UK: Mobilising to Save Lives", with the aim to call for the mobilsation and commitments for action by all UK civil society stakeholders in the response to malaria. The panel comprised of Stephen O'Brien (MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria), Gail Cartmail (TUC General Council and Assistant General Secretary of Unite the Union), Martha Osamor (Chairperson, Nigerian Organisation of Women & African Women's Welfare Association), Justine Frain (VP Global Comunity Partnerships, GSK) and Edwin Nichols (Global Constituency Manager, World AIDS Campaign). The event was chaired by Andrew Jack from the Financial Times and was attended by a cross-sector audience of approximately 85 people. Read more
IBLF Russia: "Business for a Healthy Society"
In conjunction with IBLF's health programme, this project promotes increased awareness and good practices to combat bad health habits and injuries in Russia. The initiative has focused so far on health in the workplace. IBLF Russia organises regular meetings of the Business for a Healthy Society working group, which is comprised of Heads of Health and Safety of 40 companies and, with the help of the World Bank, has introduced a "Health Audit" methodology. A new initiative in 2008, led by Philips and Johnson & Johnson, focuses on the role business can play in helping the public at large lead healthier lives. Read more about IBLF Russia
Examples of IBLF's past work on health
IBLF has pioneered several of the business and health initiatives since the early 1990’s. IBLF has worked with UN agencies, and others, on various projects including: road safety and accident prevention; the business and HIV/AIDS initiative with UNAIDS and UNDP and the WHO partnerships for Health Promotion. IBLF has also responded to business concerns around water and sanitation, malaria, avian flue, partnership building, and health and IT initiatives.
IBLF has partnered with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2001 on a programme to improve working conditions in footwear factories. The programme has been highly successful and is now being transferred to the garment industry. Read more
© IBLF 2009. |
All materials on this website © IBLF 2009. International Business Leaders Forum is a company limited by guarantee registered in England 2552695 and a Registered Charity No. 1024119.
IBLF North America is a registered 501c3 independent company with tax exemption status, registered in Delaware, USA DLN 17053145016027