A few days ago a TrendWatch global monthly e-mailer landed in Neil Crump’s inbox, profiling ‘Big Brand Redemption’. An interesting read, especially when you consider the implications for one of the industries GLOBALHealthPR supports: pharma. The catchy email subject got Neil thinking, “How does this apply to the industry we serve?”
From May 23rd to May 28th, 3,500 delegates from the WHO’s 194 Member States, including a large proportion of the world’s health ministers, converged on Geneva for the 69th World Health Assembly to discuss the globe’s most essential health topics. The events generated coverage in more than 200 media outlets, 80,000 social mentions totaling 1.5 billion impressions using hashtag #WHA69.
Here are the key takeaways that GLOBALHealthPR partners and many of our clients will be keeping an eye on as we enter the second half of 2016:
World Health Organization member states agreed to one of the most profound transformations in the WHO’s history, establishing a new Health Emergencies Programme. As countries face or recover from epidemics such as Zika and Ebola, as well as other threats such as natural disasters, this programme aims to distribute rapid, predictable and comprehensive support.
According to the WHO’s press release, the programme will require a budget of $494 million for the 2016-2017 year, a $160 million increase to the existing budget. In order to track the progress made throughout the year, the WHO Director-General was tasked to report to the 70th World Health Assembly on the programme’s establishment and operation.
Analysis: The WHO has clearly laid out the need and costs involved in bringing such a timely and appropriate programme to life. What remains unclear is what return on investment this will have. An appropriate next step would be a clearly communicated of an action plan (beyond just reporting back at next year’s assembly) to bring the programme to life and an explicit outline of its ROI to pull through the value story.
Dr. Chan also highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the UN’s post-2015 successor to the Millennium Development Goals.
How do WHO delegates plan to pursue these goals? At the meeting, leaders laid out the following steps:
Dr. Chan informed members that health has a crucial role in the new SDG agenda, and that universal health coverage is an effective approach to achieving health related targets.
Analysis: The pharmaceutical industry, often seen as an obstruction is beginning to catch on and take a more meaningful role in reaching these goals. Industry is realizing the need to also communicate with the public about its involvement. For example, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) has prominently featured the SDGs as a key topic on its new website, and highlighted over 250 partnerships in sustainable development with industry member companies
Dr. Chen emphasized the dangers of junk food saying, “the marketing of junk food – particularly to children – has become a global phenomenon.” For example, in Australia, 58 percent of the average household’s food budget is spent on junk food. Additionally, The WHO informed attendees that worldwide today, 19,000 fewer children are dying every day and there’s been a 44 percent decrease in maternal mortality—a huge success. However, key challenges persist:
Despite the substantial improvement, the delegates at the WHA agreed to implement two new health strategies linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. The first, The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, builds a safeguard for women, children, and adolescents globally, to “survive and thrive” by 2030. This is an update to the 2010 Strategy that WHO has currently implemented. Their intention is to inspire political leaders and policy-makers to improve the health and lifestyles of women, children and adolescents as well as encouraging positive changes.
Analysis: Since 2012, GLOBALHealthPR has spotlighted the lack of discussion around childhood obesity, and identified the opportunity to improve dialogues through digital conversations. It was refreshing to see this trend discussed openly at WHA this year. Now the focus shifts to Dr. Chan’s sharp comments about junk food. How will multinational food industry players respond and collaborate for solutions?
The role of communicators
Communications professionals who routinely serve clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and consumer science industries should keep a finger on the pulse of what the global public health community is saying and doing. They also need to seek opportunities to share stories about the ways in which industry is working collectively to tackle these key health issues.
For in-house communications officials and marketers, building a dialogue with the public health community encourages awareness and provides the chance to bridge the gap between the public’s often negative perception of industry and the reality that the private sector can be a collaborative and action-oriented partner for global good.
Question: How else can we as communicators reinforce WHO’s efforts in spreading awareness of the key health challenges highlighted at the World Health Assembly?
About the Author:
Fabiana Cuellar is a Public Relations Intern at GLOBALHealthPR
In March, a false audio message about the current Dengue fever outbreak in Argentina went viral through WhatsApp, which has nearly 18 million users in in the country (57% of adults with internet access). This caused panic among the population and resulting in widespread accusations of
the government suppressing information about a potential epidemic.
This is not the only such case. At the beginning of the year in Colombia, false news was spread that a group of U.S. specialists would operate on patients with cleft lip for free at a Military Hospital in Bogotá.
Although social media may be useful for disseminating health information, there are obvious drawbacks in terms of quality control and fact checking on a platform where anyone can post anything and claim it as the truth.
In the Argentinian case, a message recorded by a woman who introduced herself as a doctor working at José María Penna Hospital was circulated through WhatsApp. In the message, the woman warned her contacts about a Dengue fever epidemic that is being hidden by the Health System Authorities: “Hi girls, this is a medical notice. I know it´s boring to put on mosquito repellent all the time. The orange can has to be used every two hours and the green can every four hours. The number of dengue fever cases is increasing and the situation is not being made public. At my hospital – Penna Hospital – there are more than 400 diagnosed cases, both in adults and children. Every day, between 7 and 8 new cases are diagnosed and we are expecting a significant epidemic that might occur in March or April…”
The audio circulated very quickly: in just six hours it became a major issue in the media and it forced the health authorities to take action on the matter. As a first step, Penna hospital’s Director, Gustavo San Martin, told the media that there were “nine patients hospitalized, but none in critical condition.” After this clarification the Buenos Aires Minister of Health, Ana Maria Bou Pérez, denied the veracity of the audio recording and indicated that only 216 cases of Dengue were confirmed in the region.
As the message continued spreading and concerns about the concealment of information by health authorities were in the air, Jorge San Juan, the National Director of Epidemiology, released official statistics regarding the number of cases across the country. Minister of Health Dr. Jorge Lemus then delivered a final, authoritative statement on the issue. The panic generated by this viral WhatsApp message lasted only one day, but demanded the attention of the highest authorities in the national health system.
What motivated people nationwide to share this message of panic? The message had typical characteristics of viral content:
It is interesting to reflect on what people choose to believe. But why do we believe in conspiracies? There are a lot of studies about the high adhesion of conspiracy theories that are a reflection of collective fears. According to professors Eric Oliver of the University of Chicago and Tom Wood of Ohio State University in Columbus, “these kind of theories prove that the brain has not evolved enough to process information on industrial economies, medicine or terrorism. But it did evolve for survival in nature.”
Could it be that the tendency to have fantastic conspiratorial beliefs can be linked to a void of authority and authentic communication? That is, given the lack of confidence in their institutions or political leaders, people seek explanations and guidance from unusual or anonymous sources. For example, a Whatsapp audio note.
What’s really happening with Dengue in Argentina:
The quadrivalent vaccine that was recently launched to prevent Dengue fever has not yet been approved. For this reason all communications campaigns in the disease area are focused on how to avoid the proliferation of Aedes aegypty -the mosquito that transmits Dengue- through the elimination of breeding sites. One of the most striking aspects of the audio was that it did not refer to this key step in preventing the spread of the disease. But it did mention the need to use repellents more often
How do you think institutions can use social media as a positive tool for combatting public health issues such as Dengue? Is there a way potential for abuse and viral misinformation on social media without inhibiting the good it can do? Let us know in the comments.
Luciana Acuña Elías is Account Director at GLOBALHealthPR Argentina partner, Paradigma PEL Comunicación
The following article is based on a blog post written by our Australian partner, VIVA! Communications.
Over the past decade, social media has been one of the biggest revolutions in the field of public relations, for companies and communications professionals alike. But, as with all revolutions, questions arise as to who has been left behind. For millennials, the predominant logic might be that anyone outside of their 20’s doesn’t “get it”. How true is this statement? We asked some of our GLOBALHealthPR partners that same question.
Australia:
“Historically (well, for the past 11 years if we consider Facebook the trailblazer) social media has been a ‘young person’s game.’
Terms like ‘ageism’ are regularly tossed around, but is there a point at which one becomes ‘too old’ to correctly utilise social media? Further, is it fair to assume that the millennial generation should be favored over their predecessors when it comes to social media management in public relations programming?
Australian advertising creative Simon Veskner explored the stance of social media critics in a recent article published in Mumbrella. “Social media is the first communications discipline in history for which ageism is justified. Do you see a lot of over 40’s on Snapchat? You don’t,” cited Veskner.
Age-appropriate management of corporate social media is indeed, a hotly contested topic.
In a controversial piece published in NextGen Journal, University of Iowa student, Cathryn Sloane, argued anyone working as a social media manager should be aged 25 or younger, for they “have grown up with social media integrated into their everyday lives and thus have learned to use social media socially before professionally.”
Is there a genuinely compelling argument that the “Teenies” and Gen Y who have grown up with social media defining their day-to-day lives, can actually better understand the channels than those who are older?
Whatever side of the ‘age fence’ you sit on, it is clear that age affects ones perception’s on the importance of social media’s role in our lives and in our jobs.”
-Mark Henderson, VIVA! Communications
Argentina:
“Social networks can be used and managed properly by people of all ages. However, Gen Y, unlike the rest of the digital-native generation, creates its own vision of the world through social media. It is where they spread their ideas; they voice their opinions, and even build their real-world relationships based on their online social presence.”
– Luciana Acuña Elías, Paradigma PEL Comunicación
For communications professionals, those who manage clients’ social network presence, especially with more mature industry professionals, must also inject this “insider” mindset into their programs.
In Canada, energiPR CEO Carol Levine, a seasoned healthcare public relations executive, had another perspective.
Canada:
“Different generations bring different strengths to any situation or technology. Social media is no different. Where younger people are more accustomed to have a digital “through the screen” conversation, older social media users also realise that there is a value to remembering that behind each screen is a person, and the merit and qualities of face-to-face interaction. In other words, what is said on social media has a power and resonance beyond the screen, words don’t always transmit the correct emotion, and older generations have a different emotional intelligence that perhaps harnesses that better, or at least differently. Older users may also be more mindful of the fact that what is online lives forever … so be careful what you post.
Social media is all about immediacy and speed, reacting literally ‘in the moment.’ Younger users are more adept at doing this, given the speed with which technology changes, and their eagerness to adopt it and adapt to it. When your first “toy” was a smart phone, rather than a Fisher Price vacuum cleaner, you interact differently with the world from your earliest days.
However, there is more to management than understanding the nuts and bolts of a technology. Of course, some older people are lousy managers, and the same is true of younger managers. And not all younger people “get” technology, either. Perhaps we would all be better served if we didn’t jump to a ‘one size fits all’ conclusion regarding technology and age.”
-Carol Levine, energiPR
What do you think?
‘Tis the Season to Give…and Give Back
This time of the year, people around the world are connected by the common thread of gift giving. Though our countries, religions and cultures have unique traditions and celebrations, we are united in the spirit of sharing. This holiday season, we invite you to experience some of our favourite global traditions, brought to you with the insights of GLOBALHealthPR partners worldwide!
United Kingdom
In the UK, gifts are traditionally delivered by Father Christmas overnight on Christmas Eve. We hang up stockings near the fireplace so when Father Christmas comes down the chimney he can fill our stockings with presents. We also leave a sherry and mince pie for him, and a carrot for his reindeer. Christmas Day is about giving and receiving presents from friends and family and eating as much food as is humanly possible, followed by the Queen’s speech and a snooze.
Neil Crump: Aurora Communications
Singapore
In Singa
pore, only those who celebrate Christmas will exchange gifts with each other during the Holidays. For Chinese New Year, Ang Pows, red packets containing cash, are the traditional gift of choice. We give them to children, the elderly and the unmarried. You have to make sure the cash in in Ang Pow adds up to an even number like $4, $8 or $10 for good luck.
Patsy Phay: Mileage
Spain
In Spain our most popular giving tradition is about the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) who came from the East to visit Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We receive gifts from the Three Wise Men on the 6th of January. However, if you have not been good the past year, you receive coal instead of a present. In every house we prepare some food and traditional sweets for the Wise Men, and the kids leave out potatoes, bread and water for their camels.
Juan Luis Recio Diaz: Berbés Asociados
Poland
We celebrate the big day on the 24th of December. 
Families come together for a big feast that starts when the first stars begin to show. When the children are not paying attention, someone will vanish from the house to dress up as Santa. ‘Santa’ rings a bell to announce his arrival with presents and then hands gifts out to everybody, in exchange for the singing of a song. ‘Santa’ is of course invited for the feast and some vodka. For many years on, kids remember how they either: Did not recognise Santa was their favourite uncle; or recognised their uncle by his old shoes.
Andrzej Kropiwnicki: Alfa Communications
Portugal
In Portugal one of our oldest Christmas giving traditions is to burn a stump on night of the 24th. Some people do this in the privacy of their homes with family, while public churchyards host big bonfires for the whole community. Everyone gathers around the fire and sings traditional Portuguese songs while waiting for the children to go to sleep, and the arrival of Father Christmas with their gifts.
Jorge Azevedo: Guess What
Mexico
What makes our giving tradition Mexican is the piñata
. Piñatas are filled with candy and small gifts, and we take turns trying to break them open with a bat or broom stick while blindfolded. When someone finally cracks a piñata open, the candy and presents fall to the floor and the kids launch themselves to the ground trying to grab as many sweets and presents as possible. Though piñatas are often present at birthday parties, the tradition is most strongly associated with Christmas.
Paola de La Barreda and Nallely Moreno: PRP
Argentina
In Argentina
we open gifts on December 24th, precisely at 12:00 a.m. along with a family toast. Everybody shares a good panettone (a sweetbread with dried fruit), and we throw firecrackers in celebration. The children also receive gifts on January 6th, from the Three Wise Men. The kids leave their shoes outside the night of the 5th, with some water and grass for the Wise Men’s camels, and wake up to find presents left by their shoes. At the same time as Christmas we start our summer and school vacations, so common gifts for kids include toys for the beach or the swimming pool.
Eugenia de la Fuente: Paradigma
India
In India, we love giving celebrations. All religious festivals are celebrated here, but the most common one is Diwali. The key ingredients for any celebration of Diwali are a lot of lights, yummy food, goodies and gifts to give to each other. We host family gatherings and friends come and visit to share sweets and dry fruits, as well as seasonal specialties depending on the region. And of course, the celebration is not complete without fireworks to light up the night sky.
Priti Mohile: MediaMedic
Germany
Our best-known 
giving tradition is that our children, and of course well-behaved grownups, put their polished shoes in front of the door on the eve of December 6th. Later that night, St. Nicolas arrives to fill the shoes with candy and small gifts. The next morning we decorate the Christmas tree and go to church. After church, we celebrate Christmas with family, sharing gifts, music and a traditional Christmas dinner. Favourite menu items include trout or another fish, potato salad and sausages or duck.
Tina Winter: fischerAppelt
United States
Some American families 
open just one gift on Christmas Eve, and everybody knows what’s in the box – Christmas pajamas! This gets everyone ready for bed and looking spiffy for Christmas morning. That night, after the kids have gone to sleep, Santa Claus sneaks down the chimney and leaves presents under the tree for the good boys and girls. In the morning everyone meets up at the tree, looking fly in our Christmas PJ’s, and shares gifts with friends and family.
Mary Ellen Hackett: Spectrum
We hope you enjoyed learning about how we celebrate the giving season.
Best wishes, and have the happiest of holidays from GLOBALHealthPR!
Images:
United Kingdom: Brent Flanders via flickr.com
Singapore: Cheon Fong Liew via flickr.com
Spain: Amira A via flickr.com
Poland: KCRA.com
Portugal: Brian Colson via flickr.com
Mexico: Diógene via flickr.com
Argentina: NicolEttone via flickr.com
India: gags9999 via flickr.com
Germany: David Wolfe
United States: EvilErin via flickr.com
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the USA as part of the great GLOBALHealthPR Exchange Program. After learning all about Spectrum’s work and the American health PR market, I can say that although there is an ocean between the US and Portugal and we speak different languages, the work we do is pretty similar.
There are many aspects that both Spectrum and Guess What have in common. The context may differ but the challenges are the same. It’s almost like working at the ER. The pace is fast, the requests are urgent, the demand is constant. We live in an increasingly globalized world that spins at the frenetic pace of social networks where you can share information instantly, so it’s natural that this happens. The clients of both companies are also similar: mostly multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, and consumer-goods brands.
The main differences are essentially social and cultural, or related to market dimensions. The US market is more aggressive, and the work has to be conducted with a level of detail that is not demanded by the Portuguese market. The workday also has very few breaks; in Portugal we are passionate about our lunch break! In Portugal, Facebook is king and lord of all social networks, but in the US the most popular social network is Twitter. In the US, the relationships between PR professionals and journalists are often distant and directed by strict ethical guidelines.
Our American colleagues were very surprised to learn that in Portugal it is relatively normal for journalists and PR professionals to address each other through their Facebook pages, social networks that the Americans keep more personal. And we Portuguese were impressed by the interaction with and monitoring of patient blogs, where patients write about their illnesses and treatments, which is still uncommon in the Portuguese market.
On the other hand, the characteristics of the Portuguese market allow us to work in a far more “out of the box” way. Indeed, the economic crisis has forced us to be even more original and effective with smaller budgets because “necessity is the mother of invention”.
Given these differences and these similarities, we can say that the GHPR partnership not only makes sense but it is the model of the future for PR and communications. As time goes by, we will have to work more and more with and for other markets, and we will always need the experience of those who work and live in these markets. Communication lives out of social and cultural contexts that we can only know well when we live within them.
Furthermore, it was a great privilege to be part of the GHPR exchange program. It’s an excellent way of meeting a new professional reality, new people, and a new country. And I’m really grateful to all the Spectrum team in Washington that went far beyond my best expectations to make me feel welcome.
Susana Viana is Senior Communication Consultant at GLOBALHealthPR Portugal Partner, Guess What. Her account is based on an original article that appeared in Portugal’s Meios e Publicidade.
