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As we toast to the holidays, Global Health Marketing & Communications partners from around the globe share some of their favorite traditional holiday drinks. Try out some of the delicious recipes below!

Singapore

Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based sling cocktail. This drink was developed sometime before 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, who was working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It is a tourist must-try.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of ice
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1.5 oz. of gin
• .5 oz of cherry-flavored brandy
• .5 oz of lime juice
• .5 oz of grenadine
• .25 oz of triple sec
• .25 oz of Benedictine syrup
• 1 slice of fresh pineapple
• 1 maraschino cherry

Directions

1. Fill a Collins glass with 1 cup ice and place in the freezer.
2. Combine pineapple juice, gin, cherry-flavored brandy, lime juice, grenadine, triple sec, and Bénédictine in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice, cover, and shake until chilled. Strain into the prepared Collins glass.
3. Garnish with pineapple slice and cherry.

Spain

Queimada

There are many myths and mysteries surrounding the ritual of making queimada, the “fire drink” of Galicia, which is thought to have originated in ancient times when Celts established villages and settled in the region of Galicia, though historians dispute if this timeline is possible. Although this drink is made with orujo, a strong liqueur similar to grappa, much of the alcohol is burned off in the flames. This is the perfect specialty drink for an outdoor Halloween or winter party, as it’s traditionally served at family gatherings. It’s also popular on “Witches Night,” also known as St. Jon’s Night, which is celebrated annually on the night of June 23.

Ingredients

• 1-liter orujo
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 cup fresh lemon peel strips, from 1 medium lemon
• Scant 1/4 cup whole coffee beans

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Place the clay pot or bowl on a fireproof table of atop a cold BBQ grill. Be sure to have a large lid handy to put out the flames.
3. Pour approximately 4 tablespoons orujo and 1 tablespoon sugar into a small glass and stir to dissolve sugar, then set aside.
4. Pour the rest of the orujo and remaining sugar into the clay bowl and stir. Add the lemon peel and coffee beans and stir again.
5. Pour the orujo and sugar mixture from the glass into a ladle and light it on fire. Carefully move the ladle very close to the clay pot until the orujo mixture in the pot catches fire. Stir frequently until the flames turn blue. Slide the lid over the pot to put out the flames. Serve hot.
6. Enjoy!

Italy

Aperol Spritz

Often described as an Italian sunset in a glass, the Aperol Spritz originated in the city of Padua and has become one of the most famous cocktails from Italy. The Aperol liqueur became a beloved apéritif in Padua and out of its rising popularity the Aperol Spritz was born during the chic 1950s in Northern Italy.

Ingredients

• Plenty of ice
• Aperol
• Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
• Soda
• 1 orange to slice

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice
2. Add 3 parts Prosecco (75ml), then 2 parts Aperol (50ml)
3. Add a dash of soda (25ml) and stir briefly
4. Garnish with an orange slice

Argentina

Lemon Champ

“Lemon Champ” (either as a dessert or a drink) is present in many Argentine tables during Holidays. Nevertheless, it is not a local creation but just a rename of the ancient Italian drink “Sgroppino”, originated in Venice in the 16th century as digestif. The receipt of the Sgroppino later evolved with new ingredients that differ from our traditional Lemmon Champ. In Italian “Sgroppino” means “little knot” and refers to the characteristic sensation that invades the body after eating a lot.

Ingredients

• Sparkling wine 750 ml. (1 bottle, preferably extra brut sparkling wine)
• Lemon ice cream 250 grams

Directions

1. Simply place the ice cream and the sparkling into a blender and mix until both ingredients are incorporated.
2. Serve in cool glasses and drink at the moment!

Canada

Maple Whiskey Sour

Of all the Canadian stereotypes – our unwavering love of maple syrup is by far the sweetest. And, if we’re being honest, ‘Canada’ and ‘Maple Syrup’ are basically synonymous at this point! With that in mind – wondering what to do when the Canadians in your life inevitably gift you yet another bottle of Maple Syrup? Try putting it to new use with the Great White North’s very own take on a classic drink. Perfect for the Holiday’s, the Canadian Maple Whiskey Sour is festive, delicious, and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 2oz. whiskey
• 1 egg white (optional)
• 1oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice (or citrus juice of your choosing)
• 3/4oz. Canadian maple syrup
• 2-3 shakes Angostura bitters
• Ice

Directions

1. Add whiskey and egg white to a cocktail shaker and vigorously shake for about 20 seconds to froth the egg white
2. Pour in lemon juice, maple syrup, bitters, and ice
3. Give it a few more shakes to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
4. Strain, serve, and enjoy, Eh!

US

Eggnog

Eggnog is an American classic, first mentioned in writing in Philadelphia in 1796. With its indulgent, almost custardy flavor mixed with warm, seasonal spices, few holiday drinks can compare to eggnog when it comes to taste or tradition. American cookbooks have featured recipes for eggnog with alcohol, sugar, cream, and eggs since 1839, and by the early 19th Century, eggnog had become the traditional drink for Christmas and New Years’ revelers. In fact, its tie to the holidays was immortalized in the Christmas Eggnog Riot of 1826 when eggnog and a prickly argument over a trigonometry problem led to a wholesale brawl at West Point. This (true!) debacle led to court-martials for 20 students, and lesser punishments for 70 more. So please — drink your eggnog responsibly.

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for topping
• If you want to add alcohol to your eggnog, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whisky added at the same time as the vanilla, or after cooling the eggnog. Add more to taste, if desired.

Directions

1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and creamy.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until mixture reaches a bare simmer.
3. Add a big spoonful of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, adding a big spoonful at a time, to temper the eggs.
4. Once most of the hot milk has been added to the eggs, pour the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.
5. Whisk constantly for just a few minutes, until the mixture is just slightly thickened (or until it reaches about 160 degrees F on a thermometer). It will thicken more as it cools.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, and alcohol*, if using.
7. Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or other container and cover with plastic wrap.
8. Refrigerate until chilled. It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth.
9. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired.

Colombia

Sabajón

It is a  drink based on egg and aguardiente, with a sweet and creamy flavor. The Colombian drink by nature is aguardiente, an alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane. Many people drink it directly, other people, such as mothers, grandmothers, prefer to soften it with this type of recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons of corn starch or cornstarch
• 1 can of condensed milk
• Rum to taste
• Ground cinnamon.

Directions

1. Mix 5 cups of milk with the sugar and vanilla in a saucepan
2. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and wait about 20 minutes while stirring constantly.
3. Then add the rest of the milk, the egg yolks, the starch and the condensed milk in the blender so that they are well integrated
4. Cook over low heat stirring frequently until it thickens.
5. Finally, remove from heat and let cool. Pour into a pitcher to serve.

Chile

Cola de Mono (Monkey Tail)

Translating to “monkey’s tail,” this creamy and smooth libation is rumored to have you “swinging like a money” (hence the name) thanks to a potent dose of heady aguardiente. With a taste and texture similar to a White Russian cocktail, cola de mono is also a great substitute for eggnog lovers, as eggnog isn’t readily available in Chile. Most households have their own unique, stylized recipe which they make for Christmas and New Years, and it pairs nicely with Chile’s quintessential seasonal treat, pan de pascua (fruitcake).

Ingredients

• One liter of milk
• One cup of Pisco (Chilean/Peruvian spirit 40°)
• One cup of sugar
• Four cloves
• Cinnamon
• One spoon of vanilla
• One orange rind
• Four cups of coffee

Directions

1. Heat the milk in a pot (mid-fire) for 15-20 minutes, adding sugar, cinnamon, clove, orange
2. Boil for 3-5 minutes
3. In a separate cup mix prepare the coffee with the vanilla (ad only half of the cup of milk)
4. Mix the coffee with the milk. Close the pot and wait until de mix reaches room temperature
5. When it’s ok, strain the milk
6. Add the pisco and put it in the fridge
7. Serve it cold (could add ice) with cinnamon on top

Portugal

Ginjinha

Ginjinha, or simply ginja, is a liqueur obtained from the maceration of the sour cherry fruit, similar to the cherry, very popular in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, Óbidos, Alcobaça and in the Algarve. It is customary to serve it with a tanned fruit at the bottom of the glass, popularly said “with them”, or, when pure, “without them”.

Ingredients

• 1 kg fresh sour cherries
• 1 lt good quality brandy
• 1 kg brown or brown white sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Wash the sour cherries well to remove the dust and place them on absorbent paper or a cloth to absorb excess moisture and remove the stems.
2. Place the sour cherries in the chosen container to store your Ginjinha (opt for a large, wide-mouthed jar). The amount of sour cherry should not exceed 1/3 of the capacity of the container.
3. In a pan, pour the brandy, cinnamon sticks, sugar and bring to the minimum heat. Stirring constantly, do not let the temperature exceed 35º, the aim is to let the sugar dissolve.
4. Pour the mixture into the jar over the sour cherries.
5. Close the bottle tightly and shake the mixture well.
6. Preferably store in a dark and cool place, and at least once a day, shake the bottle so that the sugar deposited at the bottom dissolves.
7. When the sugar is completely dissolved (it should take about a week), store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 6 months.
8. After this period it is ready to consume.

India

Lassi

Lassi is a cool, creamy, frothy, yoghurt-based drink savored all across India. Known to be originating in the lands of Punjab and Multan around 1000 BC, it is referred to as an “Ancient Smoothie”. It looks like a modern milkshake and comes in variations of sweet, salt and is sometimes, cannabis-infused. This fermented food is also a great immunity booster. It’s rich in calcium, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. Having curd during winter days boosts your overall health, though people with respiratory issues should minimise consumption

Ingredients

• 2 cups Curd – cold and fresh (yoghurt)
• 1 cup water or milk – cold or at room temperature
• 4 to 5 tablespoons sugar or add as per taste
• 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder or 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 10 to 12 saffron strands
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped nuts – cashews, almonds, pistachios
• 6 to 8 ice cubes (optional)

Directions

1. Add curd, water or milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands into the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
2. Pour the mixture into a glass or a traditional clay cup (known as Kulhad)
3. Add 2-3 pinches of cardamom powder, saffron strands, and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped nuts and your Lassi is ready to serve!

UK

Mulled Wine

The Brits love a mulled wine during the run-up to Christmas. Mulled wine originated in the 2nd century. It was created by the Romans who would heat wine to defend their bodies against the cold winter. As the Romans conquered much of Europe throughout the next century, their love for mulled wine spread across their empire and the regions they traded with.

Ingredients

• 750ml bottle red wine – an unoaked tempranillo is ideal
• 1 large cinnamon stick, or 2 small ones
• 2 star anise
• 4 cloves
• 2 strips lemon zest, pared using a vegetable peeler
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 orange to slice

Directions

1. Put the red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar in a large pan. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins.
2. Remove from the heat and cool, leaving to infuse for about 30 mins.
3. To serve, heat without boiling, stir in the sloe gin and pour into mugs or heatproof glasses, and add slices of orange for decoration.

Latest acquisition expands Spectrum’s global capabilities; provides enhanced resources, expertise and experience to award-winning Aurora team

WASHINGTON, DC and LONDON, UK (August 11, 2022) – Spectrum Science, an independent, integrated marketing, communications and media agency hyper-focused on health and science, today announced the acquisition of UK-based strategic communications consultancy, Aurora Healthcare Communications and other group agencies under This is Avalon Group (Aurora). Spectrum and Aurora have worked together for more than a decade as part of Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC). The two companies will now formally join forces under the GHMC brand, each as a GHMC Company. GHMC remains the largest network of fully independent healthcare communications agencies; Spectrum serves as founder and chair of GHMC.

“After 14 years of close, trusted and successful collaboration, we are thrilled to formalize our partnership with Aurora, building upon our existing global business and expanding capabilities to best meet client needs,” says Jonathan Wilson, owner and CEO of Spectrum and chairman and CEO of GHMC. “The past several years have been a period of great growth for Spectrum as we’ve transformed to a fully integrated marketing and communications agency with 250 employees spread all over the country. As the logical next step in this exciting journey, we’re looking forward to bringing our model to even more clients across Europe, further expanding our global work while supporting Aurora’s evolution along a similar path.”

As leading independent healthcare communications agencies in two of the most important global markets, this mutually beneficial partnership allows both organizations to further strengthen their transatlantic offerings and create new, exciting opportunities and career pathways for staff.

Aurora will continue to operate under the Aurora brand with ongoing leadership from co-founders Claire Eldridge and Neil Crump, with no change in day-to-day operations. Neil will assume the role of Chief Growth Officer for GHMC, working closely with the network’s President, Tim Goddard, to drive an expansion of capabilities, geographic presence and new business. Claire will continue in her role as Chief Executive Officer of Aurora and will focus on leading the integration with Spectrum in addition to setting the strategic direction for the agency to unlock its growth potential.

“We are delighted to build on the strong foundation we’ve established through our long-standing collaboration with Spectrum,” says Claire Eldridge, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora. “For nearly 20 years, we have focused on expanding our capabilities across communications, patient engagement and social impact to best serve our clients and tell meaningful stories to improve lives and prove it. Now in partnership with Spectrum, we can continue to grow our offerings with an eye towards today’s rapidly evolving industry, and a diversified set of clients who want to have the same impact we do for patients.”

Additionally, Chris Bath will continue in his role of Managing Director of Aurora, working closely with the existing Aurora leadership team to oversee the agency’s strategic direction, daily operations and existing client business, with the potential for more shared opportunities and global work. Aurora’s 34 permanent employees bring further expertise in patient engagement, medical communications, social impact and brand and corporate communications.

The Aurora acquisition closely follows two previously announced acquisitions for Spectrum: The Seismic Collaborative and SONIC Health. Financing for all three deals was provided by Monroe Capital.

About Aurora

Aurora is a strategic communications consultancy helping the world’s leading healthcare organizations improve lives and prove it. Since 2005, Aurora has run campaigns that reach, inspire and activate audiences including patients, families and caregivers, healthcare professionals and beyond. We do this for top global pharmaceutical companies, charities, MedTech firms and device manufacturers. Our approach works, and we evidence our impact using our comprehensive Acumen framework. Our work is multinational. As the UK partner and EU hub of GHMC, we match international best practice with on-the-ground local knowledge. Through insights, co-design, audience activation and communication management, we help businesses deliver healthcare for good. Visit www.auroracomms.com to find out more.

About Spectrum Science

Spectrum Science is an integrated marketing, communications and media agency like no other. An independent, full-service agency with end-to-end capabilities, Spectrum’s team are experts in science—focused on strategic engagements with our audiences. We leverage human-centered insights, motivating creative, innovative storytelling and technology to reach audiences where they are with the content they need and want. Spectrum offers global reach as the US partner and chair of Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC). For more information on how Spectrum goes Beyond the Science Quo, visit www.spectrumscience.com or follow @SpectrumScience on Twitter. 

About Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC)

GHMC is the largest and most robust network of independent healthcare agencies worldwide, dedicated to improving outcomes through the delivery of dynamic, health-lingual experiences that drive meaningful global change. With more than 700 health-specialist communications professionals spanning more than a dozen disciplines, from patient engagement to clinical trial recruitment to advertising, the agencies that make up the partnership share a belief in insights-driven strategies and a commitment to collaboration. Today, GHMC has capabilities and reach into more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.GHMCNetwork.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

NEW YORK and MILAN, June 10, 2021 – GLOBALHealthPR, the largest independent health and science communications agency partnership worldwide, is thrilled to announce today that its Italy partner office, Connexia, has been named the official global creative agency for World Blood Donor Day 2021 (WBDD), working on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) and key Italian public health stakeholders including the Ministry of Health.

World Blood Donor Day was established in 2005 to raise awareness of the importance of regular blood donations. In particular, this year’s WBDD targets young people (ages 18-25 years) and focuses on the essential contribution this generation can make by saving and improving lives with their donations.

The WHO selected Italy to host this year’s World Blood Donor Day Global Event in Rome from June 14-15. The two-day event will feature a series of special initiatives promoted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Blood Center (CNS) and donor associations. The inauguration of the Virtual Donors’ Village, a digital space for meetings, scientific symposia and information, aims to raise awareness and provide information on the importance of voluntary donation. A virtual concert will also be held on June 14, featuring Indonesian singer-songwriter Anggun and other special guests. 

Connexia created the concepts for the integrated campaign, developed a communication strategy and deployed all assets on a global level. The slogan for this year, Give Blood and Keep the World Beating, plays on the word “beating,” linking heartbeats and sound rhythms while speaking to the international and intergenerational language of music.

The campaign also features a 30-second film that uses animation to depict the extraordinary journey of a bag of blood — from the donor to the patient receiving it. The act of donating triggers a rhythm and a visual narrative that comes to life through the drawings of international illustrator Margherita Premuroso.

This digital short, available on-air in a 30-second format on all Italian television programming RAI channels, will also be available in a 40-second version that will be released on the official channels of the WHO, Ministry of Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità and Italian donor associations.

“For me, donating blood is an extraordinary act that helps the health service to function effectively every day, ensuring that it is fit for its purpose,” explains Minister of Health Roberto Speranza in a video-message focused on health. “Italy is striving to invest [in this cause] with all its energy, but we need more and more people to do their part: we need women and men who are prepared to devote a little of their time and give a little of their blood to a cause that is just and important. We will work hard to organize our networks as best we can, but we clearly need the consent and support of many other people. I would like to thank everyone who has decided to donate blood, because it is a compassionate and wonderful act that really helps our National Health Service to function. And I also want to express my gratitude to all those who will be working hard over the next two days and weeks to ensure that this event will once again send out a positive message of revival and strength to our National Health Service.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, the National Blood Center and donor associations for World Blood Donor Day 2021,” remarked Paolo d’Ammassa, CEO & Founding Partner of Connexia. “The campaign that we have created for the occasion, which will be featured on television networks and social media, aims to reach a worldwide audience made up primarily of young people, whose donations are increasingly crucial but experiencing a steady decline. In order to convey such an essential and vital message in a language that speaks to young people, we chose a direct creative approach, combining the simplicity of drawings with the rhythm of music.”

“Never before has the importance of communication in promoting basic health practices — from proper hand washing to the usefulness of vaccinations — been more apparent than during the pandemic. Effective communication can make a difference and save lives, as it has continued to do during the COVID-19 emergency. The video made for World Blood Donor Day is a perfect example of how to make difficult messages — which can struggle to “hit home” and raise awareness among certain categories of people — more engaging,” explains Vincenzo De Angelis, CNS Director. “The campaign is truly global: it is aimed at citizens of all countries and all ages. The video, like the other materials produced, has managed to strike a universal key that we hope will bring the world of donation closer to those who are not normally interested in this type of message, such as young people.”

“I am delighted to see young people at the center of World Blood Donor Day this year,” noted Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Our young people have suffered in particular during this pandemic, but they have also shown extraordinary resilience and adaptability. Many of the world’s blood donors are young and it is time for their vital contribution to health and to the community at large to be recognized: by donating blood, young people can save lives. So, we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the young blood donors of today and tomorrow. Give Blood and Keep the World Beating!”

______________________________________________________________________________________

About Connexia
Communicate, Connect, Engage: Connexia is a fully integrated, data-driven, marketing and communications agency based in Milan. For more than 20 years Connexia has been considered the leading PR, digital, social and mobile agency in Italy, thanks to a strategy-first approach that allows us to activate across media types. Through a combination of passion, strong expertise and creative strategic thinking, Connexia partners with top companies across the globe to strengthen their positioning and to bolster their visibility. For more information, visit www.connexia.com/company/ or follow @connexia on Twitter.

About GLOBALHealthPR®
GLOBALHealthPR is a partnership of independently owned and operated health and science communications agencies that choose to work together based on common values. With more than 700 health-specialist communications professionals, researchers and medical advisors on staff serving more than 200 organizations globally, the agencies that make up the partnership share a belief in insights-driven strategies and a commitment to collaboration in order to provide clients the best possible counsel and execution. GLOBALHealthPR’s presence spans more than 60 countries, covering Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.globalhealthpr.com or follow @GLOBALHealthPR on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Vaccines are widely considered among the most significant medical achievements in global health, saving an estimated 2-3 million lives annually. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine education and uptake is crucial. To show their support for WHO’s 2021 World Immunization Week, many of our GLOBALHealthPR partners have created an array of communications initiatives, campaigns and expert analyses to drive broad adoption in their countries and around the world.

This page will be updated on an ongoing basis

Argentina, Paradigma PEL Comunicación – Semana de Vacunación de las Américas (Vaccination Week in the Americas)

In support of the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) annual Vaccination Week in the Americas, Paradigma has launched a social media campaign providing facts and figures in support of vaccine uptake. Check out their Twitter and Instagram feeds for daily posts.

Australia, VIVA!- Lack of access to COVID-19 vaccine threatening global immunity

Last week, VIVA! partnered with the Immunisation Coalition and UNICEF Australia in a bid to unite developing nations through vaccinations. Many of us in high income countries can now access free COVID-19 vaccinations, however, lower income countries are yet to receive a single dose. A global pandemic requires a global response, so in the interest of promoting community immunity, we need to ensure all countries have COVID-19 vaccine access.

Canada, energi PR- Oh Canada. Our Vaccination Response May be Too Little, but Hopefully Not Too Late

When it comes to the best places to live in the world, many Canadian cities rank high on the livability index. Canada’s healthcare system is also praised around the world. Why, then, are citizens struggling to get vaccinated to protect them against COVID-19? PR Co-Founder & CEO Carol Levine provides expert insight into the state of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, diving into the reasoning behind why only 21.84% of Canadians have received one of the two dose vaccines currently approved in the country- Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca and COVESHEILD.

Mexico, PRP- Vacunación contra COVID-19 en México: Análisis de la Conversación Digital (COVID-19 vaccination in Mexico: Digital Analysis) [in Spanish]

Mexican health authorities have encouraged vaccine uptake since the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan was announced in Mexico in December 2020. PRP conducted an analysis of approximately 500,000 social posts which revealed that nearly 50% of these users displayed concerns about which biological product was the most effective and transparency surrounding the vaccination process, while 30% felt that the government was not meeting vaccination deadlines and was using the plan as a front for political purposes. However, an estimated 20% of these posts become more positive once a user had received the vaccine or had a close family member who had been vaccinated.

Singapore, Spurwing Communications- Vaccines and Preventable Diseases

For the last two centuries, vaccines have protected us against diseases that threaten lives and limit human potential. Currently, 17 dangerous and deadly diseases are preventable through the help of vaccines, saving the lives of millions globally. While it will be some time before the whole world is immunized against COVID-19, we can support vaccine efforts by building solidarity and trust in vaccinations as a public good that saves lives and protects health – working towards a world where we can be together again.

Spain, Berbés- Las vacunas nos acercan (Vaccines bring us closer) [in Spanish]

Google trends have revealed that vaccines have dominated the public’s interest. In fact, since March 2020, searches for the term “vaccines” has increased by approximately 1000%.

United Kingdom, Aurora- Science makes vaccines possible. We make their use real

There is a lack of trust in vaccines by the public, in part due to myth and misinformation spread in all forms of media. This makes vaccine education more important than ever. Inspired by Pfizer and BioNTech’s recent campaign, #becauseofthis, Aurora asked their colleagues who have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to share what they are most looking forward to being able to do once they are fully vaccinated.

Europe– The Importance of Vaccines: Perspectives From Our Partners in Europe

Our partners in Europe share their insights and perspectives on why vaccines are critical to fighting diseases and why vaccine education can help limit the spread of misinformation.

United States, Spectrum Science- Voyage of a Vaccine

As an agency hyper-focused on science, Spectrum uses their expertise and science-telling capabilities to chronicle the voyage of a vaccine, driving awareness and education around the more nuanced components of the story.

Additional Expert Analysis:

“Achieving Global ImmUNITY,” by Tim Goddard, GLOBALHealthPR at Spectrum

“Vaccination in Latin America: The Delicate Balance Between Informing and Alarming,” by Ma. Eugenia De la Fuente, Paradigma PEL Comunicación

NEW YORK and MILAN, Sept. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — GLOBALHealthPR (GHPR), the world’s largest partnership of independent health and science communications agencies, today announced the addition of Milan-based Connexia as its newest member. The partnership with Connexia reinforces GHPR’s strategic presence across Europe, helping to address demand for deep insights and seamless execution across a critical region in the health and life sciences sector.

Founded in 1997 by Paolo D’Ammassa, Connexia is Italy’s top independent and fully integrated data-driven marketing and communications agency with a strong focus on the healthcare sector. Connexia aims to enhance the way companies connect and engage with customers by incorporating a wealth of branding, innovation and technology expertise and, has become the go-to strategic partner for brands across the globe.

“GLOBALHealthPR is incredibly excited to partner with Connexia, a like-minded agency with a legacy of success and innovation in Italy,” said Tim Goddard, President of GLOBALHealthPR. “Paolo and his team have built a forward-looking, strategy-first structure backed by a fully integrated service offering that is perfectly positioned to respond to the ever-changing needs in the communications and healthcare landscapes.”

Specializing in public relations, branding, digital and social media marketing, web and mobile app development, as well as content marketing and management, Connexia is comprised of 130 highly skilled, insightful professionals who can look at the market and its demands, devise positively disruptive solutions, and rethink how they convey and advertise brands.

“The past decade has seen a tremendous amount of evolution in the healthcare and communications industries, not only in Italy, but also across Europe and the world,” said Paolo D’Ammassa, Chief Executive Officer of Connexia. “Our team has been at the forefront of this innovation, by strategizing and leveraging digital tools to build integrated solutions for our clients that inform, compel, educate and impact key stakeholders. We are thrilled to join this dynamic partnership, which will perfectly combine our local soul with the GLOBALHealthPR network’s international power.”

Italy’s diverse geographic, socio-economic and healthcare landscapes are reflected in its 21 distinct regions. Consequently, the country sees a high degree of local variability in terms of medical care, spending, reimbursement decisions and patient access to innovative therapies. In 2018, Italy overtook Germany as the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the European Union, aided by a strong increase in exports as a result of investment, public-private partnerships, expansion of clinical-trials infrastructure and technological advances.

Connexia’s expertise and presence in Italy complements GLOBALHealthPR’s already-strong roster of leading health-focused partner agencies in Europe, led by European Hub partner, Aurora Healthcare Communications. Aurora and ten other exclusive European partner agencies work collaboratively to satisfy both regional and local client needs, utilizing shared resources and exchanging best practices to deliver first-in-class client service throughout the region.

“As a ‘Big-5’ European country with unique healthcare nuances and challenges, Italy is consistently top-of-mind for our global and European regional clients,” said Neil Crump, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder of Aurora. “The addition of Connexia, an agency that is cut from the same cloth as GLOBALHealthPR’s other partner agencies, further strengthens our industry-leading healthcare communications offering in the region.”

About Connexia
Communicate, Connect, Engage: Connexia is a fully-integrated, data-driven, marketing and communications agency based in Milan. For more than 20 years Connexia has been considered the leading PR, digital, social and mobile agency in Italy, thanks to a strategy-first approach that allows us to activate across media types. Through a combination of passion, strong expertise and creative strategic thinking, Connexia partners with top companies across the globe to strengthen their positioning and to bolster their visibility. For more information, visit https://www.connexia.com/company/ or follow them on Twitter.

Arriving in New York City on Sunday, I was immediately taken aback by the sheer size and volume of the place. It is a phenomenal city to behold.

I was met and given a tour of the new office space, in Battery Park, close to the most southernmost tip of Manhattan Island and located on the 26th floor of a skyscraper, by Senior Vice President, GLOBALHealthPR at Spectrum, Tim Goddard.

Tim gave me a tour of the very sleek, modern office, which offers a magnificent view over Battery Park, while also offering the chance to see the Statue of Liberty from the office balcony.

Leaving the office, Tim took me to visit the 9/11 memorial pools, and museum, which, although a somewhat heavy experience, allowed me to get a real insight into how that tragedy has shaped the New York City of today.

On Monday, I spent my first day in New York office, and was privileged to meet with many of the team, as well, as allowing me to participate in the BioPharma Monthly Team meeting, and to discover lots about the different brands and companies that the BioPharma team works with in the USA.

And, later in the day, I had a phone call to discuss the Consumer Science Practice with Senior Vice President, Darby Pearson. Unlike much of the biotech and pharma-specific work done by Spectrum, the Consumer Science Practice focuses on telling the scientific story of certain consumer products.

This was very interesting to discuss with Darby, and, I was able to offer my feedback and insight around some of the campaign ideas and suggestions that her team is working on, which was a real privilege.

Although the day flew in, it was fascinating to see the New York Office as it came to life, and it’s been really nice to get to meet with some of the team. I look forward to what the rest of the week has in store.

Mark is participating in the GLOBALHealthPR Professional Exchange Program representing exclusive Australian partner, VIVA! Communications. The Program aims to enhance the connectivity of GLOBALHealthPR agencies through collaboration, best practice sharing, and insights into the drivers that affect health and science communications in different markets worldwide, and to build professional relationships with other GLOBALHealthPR personnel around the globe.

About Mark: Mark Henderson is Queensland Branch Manager at GHPR Australia partner, VIVA! Communications. To follow his experiences on the GLOBALHealthPR Professional Exchange Program online, use #GHPRConnects to join the conversation and follow all of the 2016 exchange programming.