GLOBALHealthPR

Watch this space for updates on our one-of-a-kind program from now through November.

Day 1 of Mark Henderson’s GLOBALHealthPR Exchange at Spectrum, Washington, D.C.

Since arriving in Washington, DC as part of the GLOBALHealthPR Professional Exchange Program, I’ve been privileged to witness a lot of American history, from Capitol Hill (the seat of the United States Congress and legislative branch of the US Federal Government), to The White House (the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the US, also dubbed “The Nation’s Most Famous Address”).

Warmly welcomed by Andrew Bailey, and the Spectrum team at its Washington DC offices today (Monday, September 19, 2016), I’ve been given a tour of the office and met many staff. I’ve also been privy to an orientation from Spectrum’s HR lead, Julian, who documented the company’s 20 year-long history, founded on the idea of “transforming complicated science into compelling stories,” to its dramatic growth in the past four years, which has seen the company double in size to upwards of 60 staff members across three offices (DC, New York and Atlanta), and those who work remotely.

Further to this introduction, I’ve been privileged to participate in several brainstorm sessions, and teleconferences that have offered me an opportunity to begin to understand the way in which business gets done at Spectrum. I’ve been truly impressed by all that I’ve learned since arriving here.

I was privileged to speak with Tim Goddard, Senior Vice President of GlOBALHealthPR, who provided me a warm welcome to the company, and outlined many of the different opportunities I will experience in the United States during my two week tenure here. Notably, I will be meeting with each of the four Functional Group Leads for Spectrum, including those representing the BioPharma, BioTech, Consumer Science and Public Affairs divisions, along with a host of other senior staff, such as the business managers who work within each of these groups.
It’s only day one, but I already feel like I’ve learned so much about Spectrum, its rich and vibrant history, and plans for the future, and I very much look forward to what the coming weeks have in store, both Washington DC, and in New York City.

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.

At GLOBALHealthPR, we are proud to announce our official support for World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2016, joining a plethora of organisations fighting to ELIMINATE chronic Hepatitis C. World Hepatitis Day unites people from all walks of life to raise awareness of the substantial global burden of viral hepatitis and to provoke real change in disease prevention, testing and treatment options. The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is ELIMINATION.

Watch the campaign video here.

What is Hepatitis C?

Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health issue affecting approximately 170 million people worldwide. If left untreated, HCV can progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer and liver failure.

HCV is a silent disease – an alarming 95% of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware they have the disease. In May 2016, World Health Organization (WHO) member States that attended the World Health Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland, committed to ELIMINATING viral hepatitis by 2030. The WHO Global Health Sector Strategy (2016-2021) on viral hepatitis aims to reduce the annual death rate from chronic hepatitis from 1.4 million to less than 0.5 million by 2030.

World Hepatitis Day (July 28, 2016) provides an important reminder for families and communities to talk about viral hepatitis and ensure we turn the tide on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

According to Raquel Peck, CEO of the World Hepatitis Alliance, London, UK, “We are at a turning point for viral hepatitis. We have the tools; we have the commitment; what we need now is action. “We are asking all stakeholders to join us in celebrating the launch of NOhep on World Hepatitis Day, to help eliminate viral hepatitis – an illness that affects 400 million people worldwide.”

#Nohep

Nohep is a global World Hepatitis Alliance movement that aims to unite the hepatitis community and broader public to take action and call upon governments to ensure global commitments are met by 2030.

WHY Nohep?

1. Nohep… is RIGHT

4,000 deaths per day is 4,000 too many. Join Nohep… for greater access to life-saving medicines and vaccines

2. Nohep… is SMART

Eliminating hepatitis C will pay for itself by 2030. Join Nohep… to ensure governments make smart investments

3. Nohep … is FOR ALL

Viral hepatitis stigma stops people working, learning and having relationships. Join Nohep… to end stigma and stop discrimination

4. Nohep… OUR NEXT GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Taking action now will save 7 million lives by 2030. Join Nohep… to make the elimination of viral hepatitis our next greatest achievement.

HOW?

1. VACCINATE for Nohep

300,000 cancer deaths a year can be prevented. Join Nohep… for universal vaccination coverage.

2. TEST for Nohep…

95 per cent of people living with viral hepatitis don’t know they are living with the disease. Join Nohep… for increased testing among those at-risk.

3. TREAT for Nohep…

4,000 people die each day, yet life-saving medicines exist. Join Nohep… for greater access to life-saving treatments.

How can you support World Hepatitis Day?

Great strides have already been made, but so much more can be done to ensure 2016 is the beginning of the end of viral hepatitis. 

To pledge your support to ELIMINATE viral hepatitis:

1. Sign up to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 at http://www.nohep.org/.
2. Share photos from your events to show the world how you are contributing to the ELIMINATION of viral hepatitis. Upload your photos to http://worldhepatitisday.org/en/gallery or tweet your pictures using #World HepDay.
3. Sign up to the Nohep Thunderclap before 9:00 am ET at https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/43213-nohep-eliminate-hepatitis to share the following message on your elected social media channels.

As many of you across the world recently watched, the United Kingdom has elected to withdraw from the European Union following a public referendum on Thursday the 23rd of June.

It is too soon to have clear perspective on all the implications for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences sectors, but there are several things that are already known:

• The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be required to relocate from London, as EU agencies must be located in a Member State
• The chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors of the EU Unified Patent Court (UPC) will no longer be located in London, as previously planned

Additionally, the existing UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) is likely to assume all responsibility for medicines regulation in the UK.

There are, of course, other important factors that will impact all industries, including potential trade barriers and the freedom of movement of the workforce, but it is too early to speculate on how these will play out. This is because leaving the EU will take some time.  To start the process, the UK must trigger Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave.  In his resignation speech, Prime Minister David Cameron said this is a job for his successor, who he expects to be in place before the Conservative party conference in October. Once Article 50 has been triggered, negotiations to leave the EU will take place over a two-year period, during which time the implications will become clearer.

One thing that we know for certain is that the UK decision to leave the EU does not impact our GLOBALHealthPR partnership.  It is, and will continue to be, business as usual for our integrated teams across the world.

The Zika virus has been all over worldwide news recently, with U.S. researchers urging the World Health Organisation (WHO) to take action against the virus. Transmitted by the mosquito Aedes albopictus, Zika has been linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil, and continues to spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.¹ But what about the effect of Zika outside the Americas? Out partners at VIVA! shared their thoughts on the potential for the virus to spread to Australia.

What about Australia?

There is genuine potential for the Zika virus to spread to Australia through travellers returning from the Americas. Fortunately, however, there is a plan of action should the outbreak occur here. Dr Cameron Webb, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research at the University of Sydney said, “If there was an outbreak, local health authorities would try to kill the mosquitoes and their eggs in the affected area quickly, while infected people would be isolated to limit the spread of their blood by other mosquitoes.”²

Dr Webb noted the Brazil outbreak highlighted the importance of Australia’s efforts to keep exotic mosquitoes out of the country, particularly Aedes albopictus or the Asian tiger mosquito, which is also capable of transmitting Zika.² As the climate changes and becomes warmer, there is greater potential for the Asian tiger mosquito to establish itself in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Associate Professor Nigel Beebe from the University of Queensland has recently been quoted as saying “to prevent this species and others from entering Australia, there were traps designed to catch them within 400 metres of every Australian port.” When foreign species are caught in these traps, scientists are typically able to examine the species and their eggs, and determine their origin.² Scientists can then use this information to inform health, agriculture and travel authorities ²

The Department of Foreign Trade and Affairs is advising pregnant women to avoid travel in areas where Zika is active. The Federal Government is also requesting Australian doctors to look out for signs of Zika infection in travellers returning from affected areas. A government spokeswoman said Australian laboratories could diagnose the virus if required. Sydney Morning Herald, January 29, 2016.² 

What actions are being taken in your country to protect against Zika? Post a comment or tweet at us to let us know.

Want a more in depth analysis of the Zika situation in Australia? Take a look at the VIVA! blog.

References

1. Caught off-guard by Zika, Brazil struggles with deformed babies. Reuters, 28, January, 2016. Available at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-brazil-idUSKCN0V52F4
2. Australia, the Zika virus and why we need to keep exotic mosquitoes out. The Sydney Morning Herald, 29, January, 2016. Available at: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/zika-virus-set-to-reach-australia-but-can-be-contained-swiftly-say-experts-20160129-gmgydw.html

As the seasons shift and the days get shorter (or longer in the Southern Hemisphere!) we look back and reflect on the successes of the past few months. One of these major successes for the GLOBALHealthPR partnership took place last May when partners from all member agencies were present in London for our Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year’s meeting, themed Reaching New Heights, was organized by our tremendous hosts at GHPR UK partner and European hub, Aurora.

For three days, partners presented case studies, analyzed client practices, brainstormed innovative ideas, and discussed creative solutions to unify the GHPR strategy. Discussions covered everything from the rollout of new initiatives to best-practice sharing sessions led by GHPR Partners. The combined efforts of this global team continues to propel GHPR to the top of its class.

Have a look inside GLOBALHealthPR and our 2015 AGM in the video above!

Today’s post comes to us from our GLOBALHealthPR Australia partner, VIVA! Communications.

Former Australian Test Cricket Captain, Steve Waugh, AO, is joining his wife and stroke survivor, Lynette, 49, health professionals and stroke survivors, to champion public awareness of stroke, its often fatal consequences, and the importance of early detection this month.

With more than 60,000 Australians experiencing stroke each year,¹ one-in-430 (17,273) of whom are from NSW,² Steve and Lynette, who survived a devastating haemorrhagic stroke in August, 2006, are urging members of the community to visit their local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy for a free Stroke Risk Assessment this Stroke Risk Awareness Month (September).

According to Steve, his wife experienced a stroke at the age of 40, without warning.

“It was completely unexpected, and an extremely intimidating and terrifying experience for everyone. “Lynette has since spent the past nine years working to reclaim her speech, memory and hearing – a battle she continues to wage today,” Steve said. “Mistakenly, many of us tend to think of stroke as an older person’s condition. But stroke can strike anyone, at any age.

“One-in-six people will have a stroke during their lifetime. While stroke currently has no cure, importantly, the most common type of stroke can be prevented,” said Steve. “Your pharmacist represents a good first port of call to determine your risk of stroke.” Stroke is one of our nation’s biggest killers,^5,6 and the second most common cause of disability in Australia.¹

“Stroke is the third most common cause of death in men, killing more men than prostate cancer, and the second most common cause of death among women, killing more women than breast cancer,”⁶ said General Practitioner, Dr Richard Kidd, Nundah Doctors, Surgery, Brisbane. There are two major types of stroke: ischaemic stroke, the most common type, responsible for four-in-five (80 per cent) strokes, that is lifestyle-preventable; and haemorrhagic stroke, responsible for one-in-five (20 per cent) strokes.³

Risk factors for stroke include older age, gender, family history, medical conditions and lifestyle. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, cigarette smoking, poor diet and exercise, and high alcohol consumption. “While certain stroke risk factors cannot be controlled, lifestyle risk factors for stroke can,” Dr Kidd said. “With the help of your family doctor and pharmacist, you can reduce your risk of stroke by reducing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, reducing excess weight, achieving good control of diabetes and reducing excessive alcohol. A significant family history may indicate investigation for less common risk factors. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, screening for stroke risk and regular visits to your doctor and pharmacist, are all measures that help prevent stroke.”^7,8

“I have no family history of stroke. I don’t smoke, and I’m not a big drinker. My stroke just happened,” explained the former Australian Test Cricket Captain’s wife, Lynette, who considers herself very fortunate to have survived stroke.  “It [stroke] was an unusual experience that left me cocooned. I didn’t understand why I was in hospital. I didn’t even know I’d had surgery on my head.” Lynette cites her biggest frustration with stroke has been its effect on her immediate family. “A stroke is sudden and abrupt to the blood supply to the brain, and that’s how it affects the family as well. It’s sudden and abrupt to a family.”

Reflecting on the arduous, ongoing recovery process from stroke, Lynette advises “It’s important not to be in a hurry when recovering from stroke. The re-learning process is ongoing. It’s something you need to keep working on every day.

“I was in speech therapy twice-a-week and had daily activities to complete. I had to learn to talk all over again,” said Lynette. As a stroke survivor, Lynette contends she is well-positioned to campaign for heightened public awareness of stroke and its often devastating consequences. “My message to the public is to be aware of stroke, to not ignore any potential signs of stroke, and if present, to jot these signs down.

“Having a Stroke Risk Assessment is an initial step toward stroke prevention,” Lynette said.  According to Kurt Smith, Working Partner and Pharmacist, Blooms The Chemist, Wyong, NSW, an ischaemic stroke can be prevented by addressing simple lifestyle factors through this type of assessment.^7,8

“A Stroke Risk Assessment takes less than 10 minutes. It involves a pharmacist taking your blood pressure and asking a series of simple questions designed to assess your overall risk of stroke. Should the pharmacist consider you to be at-risk of stroke, you will be advised to seek prompt medical advice,” Kurt said. “The results will be feature in a Doctor referral form for the patient to share with their doctor.”

Social media manager, Deb, 53, Sydney, lost her mother, Sylvia, 70, in July this year, following four ischemic strokes over the past four years.

The heavy smoker, mother-of-three and grandmother-to-four, lost her ability to walk and talk, her independence and eventually, her ability to care for herself. After her third stroke last year, her husband, Edward, became her full-time carer.

“It was hard for Mum because, eventually, she couldn’t even make a cup of coffee, feed herself, get dressed, go to the toilet or have a shower,” said Deb. “Mum was in and out of hospital after her second stroke, until she passed away. It was devastating to see what stroke can do to a loved one.

“A Stroke Risk Assessment could have prevented Mum’s stroke, and had I known they existed at the time, I would have encouraged her to have had one, because stroke prevention is key,” Deb said. “Dealing with stroke and the impact it has on the individual and their family, is heart-wrenching. I would urge anyone to undergo a simple Stroke Risk Assessment to help prevent the devastation that results from stroke,” she said.

About stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to brain damage or even death.^9,10 Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage in an artery, or a bleed in the brain.¹¹ Interrupted blood flow stops nutrients and oxygen reaching affected parts of the brain, resulting in brain cell death in those areas.⁹

If you suspect you, a family member or friend is at-risk of stroke, visit your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacist for a Stroke Risk Assessment this Stroke Risk Awareness Month. Stroke Risk Assessments are being run throughout major metropolitan and regional areas of NSW, QLD and in Melbourne. For further information, head to http://www.blooms.net.au/monitoring-management/.     

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References

1. Neuroscience Research Australia. Stroke. Available at: https://www.neura.edu.au/health/stroke [last accessed August 2015].
2. Stroke Foundation Australia. Stroke in Australia – No postcode untouched, 2014. Available at: https://strokefoundation.com.au/~/media/strokewebsite/resources/research/nsf952_nopostcodeuntouched_web2.ashx?la=en [last accessed August, 2015].
3. Stroke Foundation Australia. About stroke. Available at https://strokefoundation.com.au/about-stroke/types-of-stroke [last accessed August, 2015].
4. Stroke Foundation Australia. Preventing stroke: Available at: https://strokefoundation.com.au/about-stroke/preventing-stroke [last accessed August, 2015].
5. Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Leading Causes of Death. Available at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/deaths/leading-causes-of-death/ [last accessed August, 2015].
6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012. Australia’s Health 2012. Available at http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737422169 [last accessed July, 2015].
7. Health Direct Australia. What causes a stroke. Available at: http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-a-stroke [last accessed August, 2015].
8. Stroke Foundation Australia. Stroke risk factors. Available at: https://strokefoundation.com.au/about-stroke/preventing-stroke/stroke-risk-factors [last accessed August, 2015].
9. Health Direct Australia. Stroke. Available at: http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stroke [last accessed August, 2015].
10. Better Health Channel. Stroke. Available at: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/stroke [last accessed August, 2015].
11. Stroke Foundation Australia. What is a stroke. Available at: https://strokefoundation.com.au [last accessed August, 2015].