Haleon and WPP collaborate to launch HealthNxt initiative in India

Haleon, formerly GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), launched HealthNxt, a collaborative initiative with WPP. Introduced on 14 November 2024, it aims to enhance healthcare access and education across India. By leveraging technology, content innovation, and strategic partnerships, the initiative seeks to address systemic barriers to healthcare in India, including affordability, geographical limitations, and a lack of preventive health awareness. 

The event featured a series of discussions with industry leaders from sectors such as technology, e-commerce, and fitness, focusing on how digital solutions can improve health outcomes. Navneet Saluja, general manager—BU, India sub-continent, Haleon, outlined the initiative’s vision, stating, "In India, access to quality healthcare is often a privilege, not a right... HealthNxt is our commitment to dismantling these barriers and democratising healthcare for a billion people.”

The healthcare sector, like many others, has been significantly disrupted by technological advancements. With India’s digital transformation well underway, health brands now have opportunities to engage with consumers directly, using personalised tools such as AI, predictive analytics, and extended reality (XR). Yet, the rise of misinformation and fragmented communication channels has made authentic consumer engagement challenging. 

HealthNxt addresses this by creating a platform where healthcare, technology, and communication converge. Describing the initiative’s importance, WPP’s country manager—India, CVL Srinivas, noted that the media and communications landscape is ever-evolving, disrupted by technology like all other industries, including healthcare.

“Amidst this rapid transformation, it can become challenging for consumers and brands to connect authentically and without misinformation. Events such as HealthNxt create a platform where brands and the WPP network come together to create better access to healthcare,” he added.

HealthNxt’s approach focuses on three pillars—education, technology, and accessibilitys. Haleon plans to use digital tools to disseminate accessible health information, expand product availability across diverse channels, and work with technology partners to develop innovative healthcare solutions. 

At the launch event, panellists discussed practical applications of technology in improving healthcare delivery. Rajan Sethuraman, CEO of Latent View, and Saurabh Aggarwal, president of Healthifyme spoke about using AI and data for personalised health solutions, while Anish Shrivastav, revenue head of Blinkit shared insights about digital commerce and access.

Actor Milind Soman touched upon the role of influencers in promoting healthy lifestyles. Alongside fireside chats explored evolving strategies in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketing, featuring Haleon’s chief marketing officer, Anurita Chopra, and Bhuman Dani, founder of WickedGud. 

Chopra emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving healthcare accessibility. HealthNxt is about building a supportive network that encourages healthier lifestyles and ensures that quality healthcare is within reach for all... Together, we're paving the way for a healthier tomorrow,” she said.

Haleon’s HealthNxt initiative aligns with its global commitment to “delivering better everyday health with humanity.” By focusing on partnerships with like-minded organisations, the company aims to empower individuals and communities. The initiative includes tools such as interactive sessions designed to generate solutions for its flagship brands, furthering its impact through collaboration. 

Saluja highlighted the company’s intention to reach underserved populations by integrating digital innovation into healthcare. “By harnessing the power of technology, fostering impactful partnerships, and focusing on education and accessibility, we're taking a decisive step towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthier life,” he added.

HealthNxt arrives at a time when the healthcare landscape is grappling with rapid change. While technology has created new opportunities, the challenge remains to ensure it benefits consumers equitably. Haleon and WPP’s collaboration highlights the potential of cross-industry partnerships in addressing these gaps. 

As India continues its journey towards digital health transformation, initiatives like HealthNxt can serve as case studies for how brands, technology, and communications can converge to create sustainable solutions in healthcare. Whether these efforts will lead to significant behavioural and systemic change remains to be seen, but the dialogue it has started is a crucial step forward.