Read the Conversation
Conversation highlights:
- Haleon's Gulf strategy centers on collaboration with healthcare professionals, retailers, and academic institutions to strengthen the self-care ecosystem.
- The UAE ranks among the top five countries globally for person-centered healthcare and second for inclusive health system implementation.
- Enhanced self-care delivers improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and substantial cost efficiencies for healthcare systems.
- Strategic partnerships like the University of Sharjah agreement focus on training young professionals in self-care advocacy and preventative health.
- Reducing low health literacy by 25% in the UAE could generate $2.3 billion annually in healthcare savings.
- Haleon's portfolio addresses everyday health challenges through trusted brands like Panadol, Sensodyne, Centrum, Voltaren, and Otrivin.
EF: What are your current priorities for 2026, particularly as Haleon restructures with Middle East and Africa becoming its own entity?
AA: Throughout my nearly two years in this position, I've been inspired by Haleon's commitment to innovation and empowering people to take control of their health through our self-care agenda. Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy, strengthening partnerships with healthcare professionals, retailers, and all stakeholders to deliver value to both consumers and the broader healthcare ecosystem. We recently signed an agreement with the University of Sharjah to strengthen academic and professional collaboration in pharmaceutical sciences, allowing Haleon to enrich the curriculum with practical insights from the industry.
One of my key priorities has been advancing health inclusivity in this region through initiatives such as the recently launched Haleon Health Inclusivity Index, in partnership with Economist Impact. Through this, we identify and address barriers to health and well-being, ensuring everyone has access to the tools and resources for a healthier life. The advantages of enhanced self-care are considerable: improved health outcomes, increased productivity, and substantial cost efficiencies for healthcare systems.
EF: Why is the Gulf strategically significant to Haleon compared to other regions?
AA: The Gulf is strategically critical for Haleon, particularly the UAE, which has emerged as a global leader in sustainable healthcare. According to our Health Inclusivity Index study, the UAE ranks among the top five countries globally for person-centered healthcare and second for inclusive health system implementation. In health literacy, the UAE ranks 10th globally, with levels increasing by 30% over the past three years, representing a significant improvement. These findings reflect ongoing growth in public awareness, expanded outreach, enhanced access, and strategic cross-sectoral partnerships. What makes this market unique for Haleon is the alignment between government priorities and Haleon's mission; they're exactly in sync.
EF: What's driving growth in your region, and can you give us an overview of your portfolio and current market dynamics?
AA: Our mission is better everyday health with humanity. Despite advances in medicine, data, and technology, better everyday health remains available only to some; it's elusive and doesn't have a broader reach. We're here to change this by focusing single-mindedly on health moments that matter most in people's daily lives. Our portfolio is designed around this: Panadol for pain relief, Sensodyne for oral healthcare, Centrum for nutritional support, Voltaren for mobility and pain management, and Otrivin for respiratory comfort. These aren't abstract health categories; they're real, everyday challenges Gulf consumers face, from lifestyle-related discomfort and tooth sensitivity to nutritional gaps. We meet people where they are with trusted, science-backed solutions.
EF: How important is the University of Sharjah partnership, and what's the significance of such educational agreements?
AA: These long-term partnerships are crucial because we don't want to exist only as a commercial presence. We want to address challenges and contribute to public health long-term, which is only possible through these partnerships. We go beyond commercial presence through initiatives such as serving as a self-care partner at Run Yas, promoting daily well-being within the community, and through digital platforms like Pharma Connect and Haleon Health Partner, where we support pharmacists and physicians with scientific insights.
Our collaboration with Economist Impact provides policymakers with actionable data to address barriers to care and build more inclusive health systems. Long-term partnerships in the region involve co-creating health campaigns with measurable community impact, participating in national health awareness events, and building trust through consistent, transparent engagement with regulators and policymakers. It's about contributing to health literacy, strengthening the self-care agenda so consumers are empowered to take charge of their health, and helping healthcare systems address cost pressures.
EF: What kind of people does Haleon need for the future, given the digital and AI-enabled evolution of the world?
AA: People are our biggest asset, and if we're serious about transforming healthcare, we must invest in the people who will lead it into the future. That begins with education and collaboration, equipping students not just with knowledge but with confidence and perspective to shape healthier communities. Our strategic partnership with the University of Sharjah is critical; we've committed to introducing initiatives that will support training young professionals in self-care, community health advocacy, and preventative health. Additionally, we host conferences, workshops, and seminars, giving students and graduates direct access to industry expertise and emerging trends. We participate in career fairs, provide mentorship, and deliver specialized sessions aligned with the university's curriculum, bridging theory and practice. Professors consistently ask us to help bridge this gap because students are strong in theory but need practical application. Through these partnerships, we bring our purpose to life: advancing healthcare with science, access, and opportunity while investing in future-ready organizations.
EF: Looking back at your 25-year career with GSK and Haleon, what key moments come to mind, and what are you most proud of?
AA: Key moments always occur during periods of radical change. Throughout my 25-year career, change was always part of it, especially living in this region for the past two years. But embracing change and preparing the organization and people for change in mindset, tools, and knowledge was crucial. It's not about being prepared for change; it's about being the change at all times. Whenever I had different career options, I always chose what would give me the most learning, sometimes regretting it in the short term but always benefiting in the long term. Leaving the CFO role for a global project lead role was tough, but running a global team taught me a great deal. Leaving pharma for consumer healthcare, moving from finance to general management in a different territory, these were risks that were tough in the short term but very rewarding in the long term. I try to share this approach and be the change I want to see with people as well.
EF: Is there anything we didn't cover that you'd like to discuss?
AA: Let me wrap up with key points. First, the Gulf is at a pivotal moment in its healthcare evolution, and the Gulf's ambition to transform healthcare aligns perfectly with Haleon's mission; we'll be a genuine contributor to healthier communities. Second, the region's ambition for prevention-led, inclusive healthcare aligns seamlessly with our 'better everyday health with humanity' mission, creating win-win situations with regulatory bodies on designing the self-care agenda. Third, our trusted, science-backed brands and expertise in collaboration and local partnerships empower Gulf consumers to take charge of their everyday health with healthcare provider support. Looking ahead, we're committed to scaling digital innovations and deepening partnerships to reach more communities, making self-care and health literacy accessible and actionable for everyone. I'll leave you with striking numbers: reducing low health literacy by 25% in the UAE could generate $2.3 billion annually in healthcare savings, and low health literacy is associated with 2.8 times higher health costs per person. These data-backed facts show where we can focus together with regulators and policymakers for mutual benefit.
