Haleon launches Pain Management Institute in Kenya to tackle chronic pain

KENYA – Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, has officially launched the Haleon Pain Management Institute (HPMI) in Kenya, aiming to transform how pain is understood and treated.

The initiative brings together top experts and a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the complex physical, emotional, and social dimensions of pain.

Mark Pfister, General Manager for Haleon Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized that pain goes far beyond physical symptoms.

“Our research shows that pain often leads to feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and being unheard. With one in three people worldwide living in daily pain, we need to build deeper understanding and better solutions,” he said. Kenya, he added, is a key market in Haleon’s African strategy.

The HPMI launch follows findings from Haleon’s 2023 Global Pain Index, which surveyed over 18,000 people across 18 countries, including more than 600 healthcare professionals.

The report revealed that pain’s emotional toll is rising, and that women and Gen Z populations are especially vulnerable, often due to social bias, exclusion, or lack of support.

In Africa, where the population is predominantly young, these findings raise serious concerns for future health and productivity.

In Kenya, chronic pain is an increasing burden. The country’s chronic pain therapeutics market is expected to grow from US$ 52 million in 2022 to US$ 89 million by 2030.

Haleon aims to meet this demand by strengthening healthcare capacity, reducing stigma, and improving outcomes through its Institute.

HPMI’s mission is to support 20 million more people in accessing effective pain relief by 2030. Its efforts focus on three pillars:

• Patient Knowledge and Support: understanding how pain affects people’s lives
• Science and Research: advancing knowledge in pain treatment
• Education and Skills: equipping healthcare professionals with better tools and resources

According to the Pain Index, 86% of healthcare professionals observed that patients feel uncomfortable discussing their pain, which makes diagnosis and care harder. In fact, 79% of clinicians believe pain’s impact is often underestimated.

Enid Moraa, Head of Expert for Sub-Saharan Africa at Haleon, explained: “Pain can feel isolating, but no one should face it alone. The Institute is here to ensure patients are heard and supported, and that healthcare providers have the tools they need.”

To celebrate the launch, Haleon hosted a webinar titled “Pain as an Accelerator of Aging,” which explored the biological and emotional aspects of pain across different age groups.

The Kenya launch follows successful rollouts of the Institute in the UAE, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Haleon continues to strengthen its presence in Africa, with its Nairobi facility producing 28 million healthcare product units each year, including well-known brands like Panadol and Calpol.