Though I've heard the statistic many times, I always I find it staggering to think that Africa has to cope with 24 percent of the world's disease burden, with only 3 percent of the world's health care workers. This is a heart breaking fact that speaks to why every year millions of people suffer--and in many cases die--from preventable or curable diseases.  We must do more to improve access to basic health care, particularly in rural communities in developing countries.

Yesterday, I was proud to be in Washington, DC to participate in the launch of the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have come together to urge greater, more strategic investment in health workers who are often the first and only point of contact for medical care in their communities, and who can provide a "cost-effective way to save lives and foster a healthier, safer and more prosperous world." The Frontline Health Worker Coalition, along with a group of private sector companies, hopes to do their part to fill the gap of one million health workers in the developing world.

Private companies investing in training for health workers is nothing new. At GSK, one of the programs we are most proud of is our commitment to reinvest 20 percent of our profits in the world's Least Developed Countries back into programs that train and develop health workers in those countries, working with Save the Children, CARE and AMREF. Last year we reinvested approximately $6 million. This investment could support the training of between 7,000 - 10,000 health workers each year.

What was new was that GSK, together with seven other private sector companies--BD, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Intel--have come together in a new partnership with the US government to help address the shortage of frontline health workers in the developing world. This sort of collaboration is an exciting and open new approach--one we hope we'll see more of in the future. 

Some might think that's just philanthropy aimed at improving our reputation. But for GSK, investing in health systems for developing countries is not only good for patients; it also makes good business sense. Our investments in the world's least developed countries help ensure that we have a sustainable and successful business that will grow with those countries. The launch of the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, and the many partners and external experts who showed up to support the coalition yesterday exemplified how different organizations can share the same goal and provide different but equally valuable contributions to one goal:  improving healthcare around the world.

Read some of the coverage here, here, and here.

Wisely Abaker, 4, is receiving treatment for Malaria at the Save the Children-supported Mvolo Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Western Equatoria, Southern Sudan. Wisely was suffering from abdominal pain, fever, weakness and poor appetite when his mother brought the family to the Mvolo PHCC Inpatient Ward. The Mvolo PHCC is a Government of Southern Sudan medical facility supported by Save the Children. 1 December 2009

Photo by: Jenn Warren

It's not the typical work day when I don a hard hat and get mud on my shoes.

Friday, December 16, was a pretty cool day (literally and figuratively). It was the "Topping Off" ceremony for GSK's future Philadelphia home at Five Crescent Drive in the Navy Yard. Representatives from GSK, Liberty Property Trust, and LF Driscoll, along with about 80

construction workers, signed the final steel beam.  And then the beam was hoisted WAY up in the air, waving around in the wind, until its final resting place at the top of the building. Two men were at the top waiting to secure the beam in place. I almost got vertigo just looking at them and was suddenly quite grateful for my safe office job.

On top of the beam stands an evergreen tree signifying the safe completion of the structure. This being mid-December, it looks suspiciously like a Christmas tree. But this tree tradition in the construction world actually has nothing to do with Christmas traditions.

Bill Hankowsky, Liberty's Chairman and CEO, thanked the workers for their contributions and the amazing progress on the building. Back in June, we had stood at the same site, looking at a big pile of dirt.

Speaking of dirt, next came the muddy part. A flock of GSK employees, including NA Pharma President Deirdre Connelly, traipsed through the grounds to the stairway and walked up to the third floor. What a view! Ships and water on one side, Center City on the other side. And there will be no need for traffic reports for 95--just look out the window (once there are windows)!

Too soon, the celebration was over. Now we can start thinking about the next big celebration - the grand opening--as we prepare for our move at the end of next year.

While it may be difficult to find free or affordable healthcare services, it is not impossible. 

This week, employees at GlaxoSmithKline held two special ceremonies to honor ten outstanding healthcare nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia and North Carolina that work hard every day to offer vital healthcare services to those who are in need. 

The winning organizations in Philadelphia include:

Legal Clinic for the Disabled, Inc.
Phoenixville Healthcare Access Foundation
Support Center for Child Advocates
Water Street Health Services

The North Carolina recipients are:

The Healing Place of Wake County 

Helping Hand Clinic Inc. 

Housing for New Hope, Inc. 

Moore Free Care Clinic, Inc.

North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. 

Senior PharmAssist, Inc. 

During the ceremonies, the men and women who work at each of the ten organizations were very humble and, at times, a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. But they deserved it. The services that they provide and the number of hours spent in doing so are immeasurable. 

Each organization was awarded $40,000.  In accepting their awards, representatives from each organization thanked GSK for recognizing their efforts and vowed to continue in their fight in providing free or affordable healthcare services to those who needed it the most. And to that we say, 'keep up the good work.'

To qualify for a GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT award, organizations must be located in the eligible counties and have a primary mission to provide access to community healthcare services. Each applicant must have annual total operating expenses between $160,000 and $3 million, and have been in existence as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for at least five years.

All organizations are recognized for the success and achievements of their existing overall body of work, not just for new or specific initiatives. A panel of healthcare delivery experts and GlaxoSmithKline representatives determine the winners based on a strong demonstration of ongoing success in providing access to healthcare, commitment to serving people in need, facilitation of healthcare delivery, creative partnerships and policy development, and a solid record of achievement, management and leadership.

UPDATE: Apparently Dr. Steinman died a few days ago, and the committee was not aware. Whatever the outcome of the award with this latest development (Nobels are not awarded posthumously), Dr. Steinman's work is important. Out thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues. 

Congratulations to Bruce Beutler (US), Jules Hoffmann (France), and  Ralph Steinman (Canadian born, but based in the US), three scientists who share the Nobel Prize in medicine. The Nobel Committee announced the award at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute. According to the NY Times, the work of the three scientists has "enabled the development of improved vaccines against infectious diseases. In the long term they could also yield better treatments of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and chronic inflammatory diseases."

Great news for patients--let's hear it for innovation!

GSK PULSE Volunteer Kerry spent time in La Paz, Bolivia last year working with Pro Mujer. The PULSE Volunteer Partnership Program is an integral part of GSK's commitment to serving communities around the world by empowering high-performing employees to volunteer their professional expertise towards sustainable change in the areas of healthcare, education, and the environment.

The constant news stories about our sluggish economy, high rate of unemployment and federal budget deficit are enough to make optimists start seeing the world as half empty. Yet amidst all this negative news, some things are actually working well.

Take Medicare Part D. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the program costs 41 percent less than originally projected and several recent studies show that the program is increasing access to medicines while lowering healthcare costs and improving health. You can watch a great new video on the success of Medicare Part D and the following studies provide even more excellent data.

·         A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that each year Part D prescription drug coverage saves Medicare about $1,200 in lower hospital, nursing home and other medical for each senior who previously lacked comprehensive prescription drug coverage. According to other experts, this equals about $12 billion per year in savings across Medicare.

·         A study by Harvard Medical School researchers published in Health Services Research found that in the 23 states for which the researchers had data, hospitalization rates declined by 4.1 percent, or by 42,000 annual admissions, across 8 conditions that are sensitive to medication adherence such as diabetes, COPD, asthma and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Researchers concluded that access to prescription coverage under Medicare Part D has had positive clinical benefits, improving beneficiaries' underlying health, and reducing their need for hospital care.

Lawmakers in DC continue to advocate for mandated rebates in Part D as a way to fix our nation's budget deficit. As I noted in an earlier blog post, if the proposal is adopted, premiums are expected to rise for beneficiaries and thousands of high-quality jobs could be lost. Additionally, mandating rebates in Part D would hamper the biopharmaceutical industry's ability to continue investing dollars in the research and development of life-saving and -improving medicines and vaccines.

Medicare cost savings are just one bright spot in our economy.  Research and development of new medicines and vaccines continues to be a collaborative effort between the government and the pharmaceutical industry. In 2009, the private sector invested $65.3B. Another $30.5B was spent by the National Institutes of Health. Cultivating and maintaining an environment in the US that encourages research and development will allow us to remain a leader in medical innovation, and help our nation move forward.

Medicare Part D's competitive, market-based structure is working well--and should be preserved.

GSK PULSE Volunteer Julia is applying her organizational research and development expertise to put a strategic edge on the agency dashboard for Save the Children. The PULSE Volunteer Partnership Program is an integral part of GSK's commitment to serving communities around the world by empowering high-performing employees to volunteer their professional expertise towards sustainable change in the areas of healthcare, education and the environment.

Beginning Work in Westport

It is rewarding to work with other professionals who are so committed to helping children in need.  As Winston Churchill noted, 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'

I am on a 3-month away-from-home assignment that has taken me from Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina to Westport, Connecticut to work with Save the Children. As I started my assignment, I was filled with a sense of adventure--open to learning with others through a collaborative process. I also appreciate the trust that Save the Children has extended to invite me into their organization and help lead work that can significantly improve decision-making capacity at the senior levels in the organization. This work has been well-received because it can ultimately help fulfill their mission to improve the quality of life for children in need. Save the Children has domestic and global programs in the areas of health, education, nutrition, and child rights.

As I move from corporate to non-profit work, I am face-to-face with hard truths that feel like a wakeup call every day. For example, in a meeting, a senior leader asked "do you know what the daily life of the 8-10 million children dying each year from preventable causes is like?"

I am struck by the loss that so many parents and grandparents must face every day. In balance, the numbers of children dying 30 years ago was three times higher. This understanding has fueled me to work for a greater good, to be a positive part of the change. I am confident that through continued collaboration, across non-profit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, and local communities, we can continue to bring a positive, sustainable change to many issues that face the children across the globe today.

The Voice of the Customers
I've begun a series of interviews to understand what's working and where improvements could be made.  There are several stakeholder groups: the board, senior leaders, direct reports to senior leaders, and dashboard contacts. Though each stakeholder group brings a different perspective, they all have a vested interest in a creating a strategic dashboard that helps accelerate the reach and impact of programs for children in need.

Within the first few interviews, it is clear that any change to the dashboard will require the support of all the stakeholder groups. To get their support, I will need to understand their diverse values, concerns and aspirations.

In the past few weeks, I have felt a tidal wave of support at all levels for creating a strategic dashboard that gets to the heart of the matter. There is a willingness to own the dashboard, to use the metrics, to support organizational growth, and to align reward systems with the results.

In order to ensure that the dashboard is used as envisioned, there are three critical steps ahead. First, the stakeholders that provided feedback during interviews will receive a summary report. This will help clarify the current and desired state.  Second, stakeholders will be asked to send questions to be used as input for a series of "Hot House" meeting. Finally, during the Hot House meetings, stakeholders will make final decisions about key performance metrics, uses of the dashboard, and avenues for communication of key messages.

My PULSE journey is only halfway over, yet it's already been a life-changing experience. Here're a few key things I learned--and hope to live by even after the assignment is over:

·         Focus on what matters most and work collaboratively. Be willing to risk letting go of the rest. It's a good investment.

·         Flourish so your family and work can flourish.   Take time to appreciate what you have and take care of yourself. When your energy is positive and strong, growth will follow personally and professionally. 

·         Stay aware. While we did not create the issues we are trying to solve, be it famine in Africa or diseases across the world, we can have a mindset that enables us to be a positive force for change. When someone says "People are starving in Africa," you can choose to finish the sentence with a new story that is not about the food on your plate.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, up to 10% of the US population may have some form of a neurological condition known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).  This medical condition causes them to feel an urge to move their legs, usually associated with uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in their legs. Their symptoms often begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity-meaning they have difficulty relaxing or lying down comfortably. The symptoms are worse or occur only in the evening or night, and are partially or totally relieved by movement (such as walking or stretching), at least as long as the activity continues.  

Unfortunately, some people with RLS quit doing activities they once enjoyed such as taking long trips, going to sporting events, or going to movies. 

RLS is not well understood by the public or even by some who have the condition.  So in recognition of Restless Legs Syndrome Awareness Week, we want to spread the word that there are a number of lifestyle changes and other alternatives-as well as educational resources - that may help.  Only a doctor can diagnose this condition, so it's important for patients to share as much information as possible with their physicians. 

As just a few examples of lifestyle changes that might help, some patients benefit from walking, stretching, taking hot or cold baths, massage, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding caffeine. 

If you think that you or someone you know might be affected by this condition, it's important to consult a healthcare professional and...pardon the pun...take the first step by learning more.  Additional online resources include: 

RestlessLegs.com; Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation; We Move: Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Earlier today I participated in the North Carolina Institute of Medicine's annual meeting where a significant new private-public partnership was announced by North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Lanier Cansler. 

GSK is part of this new initiative called "First in Health."  It's aimed at demonstrating how the "medical home" approach and health information technology can improve care for people with chronic diseases--and hold down the cost of providing that care.

The partnership is being led by Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC). CCNC is a nonprofit known for providing North Carolina's Medicaid program with on-the-ground care management, health information technology infrastructure and population-based health initiatives that have improved quality and saved Medicaid nearly $1.5 billion over just three years. CCNC's performance is in the top 10 percent nationally in HEDIS measures for diabetes, asthma and heart disease, compared to private Medicaid managed care organizations. If you'd like to learn more about CCNC and learn from its experience, take a look at its tool kit.

Now, we are joining with the pharmacy chain Kerr Drug, SAS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the State of North Carolina Health Plan in an effort to realize similar quality and cost-saving benefits for our employees, their dependents and our retirees.  The objective is to show that by changing the way care is delivered and by increasing the focus on managing chronic diseases, which account for 75% of the nation's healthcare spending, outcomes can be improved and costs can be reduced. To evaluate the program's impact on cost and quality, the Brookings Institution will be performing an analysis.

At GSK, we're excited because we think the First in Health model with its emphasis on a medical home, effective use of health information technology and care coordination will make an important contribution to improving health and keeping benefits affordable.