New report shows lack of acceptance and understanding of sexuality and sexual health across the six nations

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The Sex of Our Nations report reveals differing attitudes and levels of understanding and stigma

 

A new survey has revealed differences in attitudes to sexuality, sexual health and HIV across the six nations (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy). The Tackle HIV survey of over 6000 adults across the six nations (including 1000 in Ireland) showed that only 66% and 63% of people asked said they were completely accepting of homosexuality and bisexuality respectively.1 Approximately one in ten claimed they were not at all accepting.1 In Ireland, 74% and 72% said they were completely accepting and supportive of homosexuality and bisexuality respectively.1 The Tackle HIV campaign is led by Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust and ViiV Healthcare, which funds the campaign.

 

The Tackle HIV survey, which was conducted as a part of the Sex of Our Nations report showed that attitudes to sexual health varied across the nations with 84% of people asked saying their sexual health is a high or very high priority (87% in Ireland).1 However, the results suggest otherwise with only 53% and 45% saying they would consider having a test for either a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV respectively. Among Irish respondents, 57% said they would consider an STI test and 40% reported they would consider a HIV test. Only 31% and 18% of Irish respondents reported having had an STI or HIV test previously. 26% of Irish respondents said they would not consider a HIV test as they do not think they are at risk.1 This ranged from 24% in Italy to 33% in Scotland and Wales.1

 

Gareth Thomas said: “I am so frustrated that these attitudes still exist. Sex is still seen as a taboo subject that people don’t like talking about. This feeds into the stigma around sexuality and sexual health, including STIs including HIV, which is very damaging. We need to improve people’s acceptance and understanding of sexuality and HIV to remove the stigma that prevents testing. The only way to know your HIV status is to test and we need to normalise testing so that it’s not thought of as any different to testing for anything else. Attitudes can change and I’m determined to do everything I can to make that happen.”

 

The survey also revealed a lack of understanding about who can be affected by HIV. Overall, 50% and 52% of people surveyed reported that they do not think heterosexual men and women respectively are at risk of acquiring HIV.1  In Ireland, 46% and 49% of people surveyed said that they do not think heterosexual men and women respectively are at risk of HIV.1 For 2020, 64 new diagnoses of HIV were reported by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre among heterosexual men.2

 

Dr Nneka Nwokolo, Honorary Consultant Physician in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine and Senior Global Medical Director at ViiV Healthcare commented: “I am sadly not surprised by the results of this survey. Whilst some populations are disproportionately affected, anyone can acquire HIV regardless of gender, sexuality, age or any other factor. Yet people do not seem to understand this. We are seeing an increase in late diagnoses, often in people who do not think they are at risk and therefore have not tested. Early diagnosis of HIV means earlier treatment and people living with HIV on effective treatment not only have the same life expectancy as anyone else but can live a normal, healthy life.”

 

Stigma can affect many aspects of a person’s life including accessing testing, treatment and services, mental health and relationships. 58% of people surveyed in Ireland reported that if their partner was diagnosed with HIV they would (17%) or might (41%) end the relationship.1 83% of those said it was because they were worried about acquiring HIV themselves. In fact, someone living with HIV on effective treatment cannot pass it onto their sexual partner yet only 22% of people surveyed knew this. Knowledge was highest in Ireland (28%) and lowest in Italy (18%).1

 

Stephen O’Hare, Executive Director HIV Ireland, said: “Education is key to breaking down barriers to testing for HIV and eliminating fear and stigma that still exists around HIV. The most important messages that need to be amplified are that effective treatment means people diagnosed with HIV can live full and healthy lives; and that people on effective treatment cannot pass on HIV to sexual partners. The number of people who know this in Ireland was highest among the six nations, but we still have a way to go to shift society’s outdated attitudes and perceptions.”

 

UNAIDS has set a goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.3 Science has enabled incredible advances in treating HIV but despite this people living with HIV or at risk of HIV still face stigma and discrimination which undermines prevention, testing and treatment efforts.4 Without addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, the world will not achieve this goal and the Tackle HIV campaign will continue to promote better understanding to reduce stigma and motivate everyone to play their part in reaching this target.3

 

 

About HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. If left untreated, infection with HIV progresses through a series of stages leading to late-stage HIV or AIDS.5 However HIV is now a manageable chronic disease.6 HIV medication works by reducing the amount of the virus in the blood so much so that it does not show up in standard blood tests. This means the levels of HIV are so low that the virus cannot be passed on sexually. This is called having an undetectable viral load or being undetectable.7 More information about undetectable equals untransmittable, U=U, is available here. HIV is passed on through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus and breast milk, if the person with HIV has a detectable viral load. It is not passed on by kissing, hugging, shaking hands or general social contact.8

 

About Tackle HIV

Tackle HIV is a public awareness and education initiative, led by Gareth Thomas in partnership with ViiV Healthcare and Terrence Higgins Trust. The campaign is funded by ViiV Healthcare.

Tackle HIV aims to change public perceptions and tackle misunderstanding and stigma related to HIV through creating dialogue around HIV and normalising HIV testing.

 

About ViiV Healthcare

ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company established in November 2009 by GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) dedicated to delivering advances in treatment and care for people living with HIV and for people who are at risk of becoming infected with HIV. Shionogi joined in October 2012. The company’s aim is to take a deeper and broader interest in HIV/AIDS than any company has done before and take a new approach to deliver effective and innovative medicines for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as support communities affected by HIV. For more information visit https://viivhealthcare.com/en-gb/.

 

About Terrence Higgins Trust

The Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading sexual health and HIV charity. Its mission is:

  • to end the transmission of HIV in the UK
  • to empower and support people living with HIV to lead healthy lives
  • to amplify the voices of those affected by HIV across public and political arenas to eradicate stigma and discrimination
  • to enable people to enjoy good sexual health

The Terrence Higgins Trust provides testing services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, campaigns on issues related to HIV and sexual health, runs community projects to support people living with HIV and works with the government on testing and prevention programmes.

For more information visit https://www.tht.org.uk/.

 

References

  1. Data on file. Research conducted by Yolo Communications
  2. HIV in Ireland: Latest trends including 2019 and 2020 provisional data. Available at: PowerPoint Presentation (hpsc.ie) Last accessed February 2022
  3. Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination. 2018. https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/global-partnership-hiv-stigma-discrimination_en.pdf. Last accessed January 2022
  4. HIV Stigma and Discrimination. Available at https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/stigma-discrimination. Last accessed January 2022
  5. Terrence Higgins Trust. Living with HIV Long-term. Available at https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/living-hiv-long-term Last accessed January 2022
  6. World Health Organisation. HIV: from a devastating epidemic to a manageable chronic disease. https://www.who.int/publications/10-year-review/hiv/en/. Last accessed January 2022
  7. Terrence Higgins Trust. Viral load and being undetectable. https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/about-hiv/viral-load-and-being-undetectable. Last accessed January 2022
  8. Terrence Higgins Trust. How HIV is transmitted https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/about-hiv/how-hiv-transmitted. Last accessed January 2022

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) launches “Be Counted”, a campaign developed by Core encouraging everyone in Ireland to take part in Census 2022

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  • This full-solution, multi-media campaign for Census 2022 is developed by Core and created by a team of experts across their Strategy, Creative, Media and Investment Practices. Other collaborative partners were MKC (PR) and Fusio (Web)
  • New campaign will reach every citizen in Ireland through a variety of media and digital channels encouraging them to take part in the Census on Sunday, 3rd April 2022
  • Census results provide vital information to assist with planning for areas such as health, economic-wellbeing, safety, education, family and community and child well-being

 

The “Be Counted” campaign developed, produced, and planned by Core launches across all media channels this week, reminding everyone in Ireland to be “a voice for yourself, your family, and your community” on Census night 2022.

The campaign, planned by Zenith, part of Core, will run across all TV and Video on Demand platforms, radio, digital audio, out-of-home media, print and social media. On TV, the advert will run in English, Irish and Irish Sign Language (ISL) on specific programming, while on digital audio platforms, the advert will be translated into Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, French, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Latvian, and Spanish.

The campaign showcases the diversity within Irish society and highlights that the Census is key to “telling us what kind of country we are now, and what kind of country we need to be.” As the Census was postponed last year due to the pandemic, the campaign is highlighting the message “Let’s come together,” encouraging people across Ireland to participate in the Census on Sunday, 3rd April 2022.

 

Talking about the development of the creative work, Conor McDevitt, Copywriter at Core Creative said:
“The Census is such an important element of planning for the future of Irish society. We wanted to empower every person in Ireland to have their voice heard as part of this national event. Showcasing the diversity of the community and making the process feel inclusive were also important to both us and the CSO. We are very proud to play a small part in better understanding the future direction of our country.”

 

Jen Walsh, Head of Digital at Zenith, part of Core added:

“Working closely with Core Creative as we plan the media and digital campaign for Census 2022 has been really beneficial. Together, we have discovered opportunities to ensure every person in the state is aware of the importance of Sunday, 3 April 2022. From mass reaching channels such as radio and TV to technology which provides the opportunity for multiple languages, we hope this campaign will encourage everyone to come together on this important night.”

 

Speaking about the campaign, Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration added:

“The success of the census depends on the participation of everyone in Ireland. The census is the largest survey in the country and the CSO is committed to reaching everyone to ensure that they are aware of and will engage with the census on Sunday 3 April.  Core has fully embraced the responsibility of developing a campaign which is inclusive, diverse, and encouraging us all to play our part. Our ability to work with those developing the creative idea, alongside the communication channels has been hugely beneficial. We look forward to seeing the response to this national campaign.”

 

The campaign will also include a time capsule element, which will allow citizens to submit stories or drawings of what they want the future generations to be able to unlock in 100 years’ time.  PR for the campaign is managed by MKC and web design and development by Fusio.

 

GSK announces independent Consumer Healthcare company is to be called Haleon

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  • Haleon will be a new world-leader in consumer health with an exceptional portfolio of category-leading brands, including Sensodyne, Voltaren, Panadol and Centrum
  • Business is on track to demerge and list as a new company in mid-2022

 

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) today announced that the new company, to result from the proposed demerger of Consumer Healthcare from GSK in mid-2022, will be called Haleon.

 

Haleon (pronounced “Hay-Lee-On”) is inspired by the merging of the words ‘Hale’, which is an old English word that means ‘in good health’ and Leon, which is associated with the word ‘strength’. The new brand identity was developed with input from employees, healthcare practitioners and consumers and will be deployed in more than 100 markets around the world where the business operates.

 

The creation of Haleon results from a series of successful investments and strategic changes to GSK’s consumer health business over the last 8 years, including integrations of the consumer product portfolios from Novartis and Pfizer. It is now a highly valuable and focused global business generating annual sales of approximately £10 billion[i].

 

As a standalone company, Haleon will be a new world-leader in consumer healthcare, offering a compelling proposition – to bring deep human understanding together with trusted science – to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

 

Brian McNamara, Chief Executive Officer Designate, Haleon, said: “Introducing Haleon to the world marks another step in our journey to become a new, standalone company. Our name is grounded in our purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity and to be a world-leader in consumer healthcare. We are on track to launch Haleon in mid-2022 and our business momentum is strong. We look forward to updating investors and analysts more on this at our capital markets event at the end of February.”

 

Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive Officer, GSK, said: “Haleon brings to life years of hard work by many outstanding people to build this new company purely dedicated to everyday health. Haleon has enormous potential to improve health and wellbeing across the world with strong prospects for growth, and through listing will unlock significant value for GSK shareholders.”

 

In Ireland, GSK Consumer Healthcare employs 930 people. 900 are located in Dungarvan, while a 30 strong sales and commercial team based in Dublin manage the Consumer Healthcare portfolio of products and sell to customers in Ireland. Dungarvan is one of the largest manufacturing sites in GSK’s Consumer Health network.

 

Dave Barrett, Country Manager of GSK Consumer Healthcare in Ireland, said: “I am delighted to drive this exciting chapter in our company history together with the fantastic Ireland team. We will continue to be an important partner for consumers, customers and healthcare practitioners to ensure Haleon delivers better everyday health with humanity. We are very proud of our market leading and globally trusted brands, including household names like Sensodyne, Corsodyl, Centrum, and of course Panadol which is made in Ireland.

 

Over the past forty years, our Panadol facility in Dungarvan has become one of the largest manufacturing sites in GSK’s Consumer Health network, producing both ‘over the counter’ pain relief and oral healthcare products for global supply to over 70 markets. We are well positioned to grow our business in Ireland over the coming years, and we look forward to keeping our teams in Dublin and Waterford updated every step of the way.”

 

Conor Tolan, Site Director of GSK Dungarvan in Ireland, said: “2022 promises to be a landmark year for our dedicated 900 strong team in Dungarvan. As a focused Consumer Healthcare business, we will continue to supply the same portfolio of trusted global brands including Panadol and Poligrip and look forward to launching future innovations that will enable us to service even more customers and grow our business to ensure that Haleon delivers better everyday health with humanity for consumers right across the world. We have a very exciting road ahead of us.”

 

Haleon will have a world-class portfolio of category-leading global brands, including Sensodyne, Voltaren, Panadol and Centrum. Its brands are trusted by healthcare professionals, customers and people worldwide to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and their communities. Demand from the £150 billion consumer healthcare sector is strong, reflecting an increased focus on health and wellness, significant demand from an ageing population and emerging middle-class, and unmet consumer needs. The business is therefore well-positioned to deliver human health impact and to sustainably grow ahead of the market in the years to come.

 

The new name was announced as part of a global celebration for all of the people working in GSK Consumer Healthcare earlier today.  Employees from around the world had the opportunity to engage with the new name and brand identity which seeks to bring to life the company’s purpose and growth ambitions.

 

The name was also announced in advance of GSK hosting a Consumer Healthcare Capital Markets Day for investors and analysts on Monday 28 February, to provide details on the overall strategy, capabilities and operations of Haleon, including detailed financial information and growth ambitions of the business. For prospective investors, Haleon will offer attractive organic sales growth, operating margin expansion and consistent high cash generation.

 

 

Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland releases latest Complaints Bulletin

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  • 12 advertisements across radio, television, online, email and outdoor were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading / Substantiation, Recognisability and Pricing, Health and Beauty and Financial Services

 

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 13 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

 

12 of the 13 advertisements across radio, television, online, email and outdoor were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to Misleading / Substantiation, Recognisability and Pricing, Health and Beauty and Financial Services. The ASAI Complaints Committee chose not to uphold 1 complaint.

 

The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the ASAI and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – http://www.asai.ie/about-us/complaints-committee

 

Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated:

 

“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI illustrates our ability to ensure that ads in Ireland stick to the advertising rules. The main role of the ASAI, is to ensure that advertisements and marketing communications are legal, truthful, decent, and honest, prepared with a sense of social responsibility to the consumer and society and with proper respect for the principles of fair competition.”

 

“The ASAI provides a free and confidential copy advice service to the advertising industry to help them create responsible ads. If an advertiser, agency, or medium has any concerns about a marketing communications’ compliance with the ASAI’s Code, they can contact us and avail of the free and confidential copy advice service.”

 

Below is a list of advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the ASAI Code:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
 

Lifestyle Sports

 

 Email Misleading / Promotions  

The complainant stated that they received a promotional email from Lifestyle Sports offering 25% off all orders over €100.

 

They said they selected items to bring the total over the required €100 to avail of the discount. They said they did not receive the discount as advertised. They said on contacting the advertiser they were told the offer was over and that no expiry date was included in the advertisement.

 Upheld

 

 4.1, 4.4 and 5.15(c).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/sports-wear/
 

The Hut Group (Look Fantastic)

 

  

Online

(Influencer’s own social media)

 

 Recognisability / Misleading  

The complainant said the Influencer was advertising the Look Fantastic website and their products in an Instagram story but did not use #AD until the end of the segment.

 

 Upheld 3.31, 3.32, 4.1. and 4.4.  

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/health-beauty-makeup/
 

Harvey Norman

 

 Television Principles / Safety The complainant, a driving instructor, considered that the advertising was promoting a dangerous driving manoeuvre.

 

 Upheld 3.24 (a).  

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/retail-9/
 

Volkswagen

 

 Radio Misleading / Substantiation / Environmental Claims  

The complainant considered that the claim that the cars were ‘carbon neutral’ was misleading as they did not consider that electric cars were carbon neutral either during their manufacturing process or when they were being charged using electricity that was generated by fossil fuels.

 

 Upheld 4.1, 4.4 and

15.6.

  

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/motoring-43/
 

Wow Interiors

 

 Online (Company’s own website) Misleading / Substantiation / Pricing/Availability  

The complainant considered that the advertising was misleading as, after enquiry, they were informed that the sofa was €2,395 and the footstool was €650.

 

The advertisement was subsequently amended to include the word “Variants” (sic), however the saving claim of €2,350 and a price claim of €650 were still being made.

 

The complainant considered that the description in the advertisement, the advertised price and saving were misleading as there was no reference to the fact that the price was a ‘from’ price and no indication of where the saving of €2,350 was from.

 

 Upheld 4.1, 4.4, 4.9, 4.10,

4.22 and 4.26.

  

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/furniture-2/
 

Toyota

 

 Online Misleading / Substantiation / Environmental  

Issue 1:

The complainant questioned how the claim “the car brand voted best for tackling climate change in Ireland” could be made when the advertisers’ hybrid vehicles required fuel unlike battery electric vehicles from other car manufacturers.

 

Issue 2:

The complainant also objected to the fact that no source had been provided for the claim.

 

 Upheld 4.1, 4.4 and 15.5.  

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/motoring-44/
Toyota Online (Third Party Website) Misleading / Substantiation  

The complainant considered that the claim “never run out of energy” was misleading.

 

The complainant said that the claim meant that a user would never have to refuel the car as the car would be a perpetual motion machine, which they considered was impossible.

 

The complainant also said that the cars were required to be filled with petrol and they considered that all the car’s energy came from petrol, even the recovered energy from regenerative breaking which was only recoverable after petrol had been used to get the car up to speed. They said that it was not possible to recover all the energy as there were losses in any system and driving continuously at any speed would burn petrol and would

not be recovering energy.

 

 Upheld 4.1.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/motoring-45/
Aer Lingus Online (Company Own Website) Misleading / Substantiation / Promotions  

Issue 1:

A complainant considered that the reference to ‘Guaranteed vouchers’ was misleading as

no reference had been made in the banner, or during the booking process, that terms and

conditions applied. On enquiring about obtaining a voucher for their flight, the

complainant was advised that the voucher had to be applied for 14 days in advance of their flight. In the circumstances, the complainant considered that the reference to ‘Guaranteed vouchers’ without any disclaimer was misleading.

 

Issue 2:

A complainant considered that the banner advertising led consumers to believe that if they

booked a flight that must be changed or cancelled, they had multiple options to recover

the full cost of the flights booked. The complainant applied for a refund after booking

their flight but was advised that the terms and conditions of the ticket they booked did not

include the offer of a full cash refund, but that they could have applied for a refund

voucher, however, they were too late to do so.

 Upheld 4.1, 4.4, 5.15 (a)

and 5.16.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/travel-holidays-5/
Therapie Clinic  

Online (Social Media – Company’s Own Page)

 

 Principles / Health & Beauty The complainant considered the post was promoting a pharmaceutical drug, which should not be promoted. Upheld 3.3, 3.10, and 11.16.  

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/health-beauty-60/

 
Apple Ireland Direct Email Misleading / Promotions  

The complainant objected to an offer of free Apple TV+ they received after their purchase of an Apple device. The complainant tried to avail of the offer but noted that they had been invoiced for the Apple TV+ service and on enquiring was advised that as they had already availed of the offer on the purchase of an Apple device in 2020, they could not avail of the offer again.

 

As the offer emails had been sent to the complainant and did not state that the offer could only be availed of once, irrespective of how many devices were purchased, the complainant considered that the direct emails were misleading.

 

 Upheld 5.5, 5.15 (a), 5.15 (h) and 5.16.  

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/computers-3/
Influencer and Affiliate Links Social Media (Influencer’s own page) Recognisability / Misleading  

The complainant considered that the posts were misleading because they did not state that the links were affiliate links.

 

 Upheld 3.31.  

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/clothing-9/
Floki Inu Outdoor Principles / Financial Services and Products  

Two complaints were received regarding the advertising.

 

Both complainants considered that the product was an investment coin, the value of which could go up or go down. One complainant objected to the advertising on the grounds that it had not included any warning as to the value of the product going up or down.

 

 Upheld 13.5  

 

 

 

https://www.asai.ie/complaint/financial-13/

 

The following advertisements were investigated and the ASAI Complaints Committee found that they did not breach the Code on the grounds raised in the complaints.

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
Paddy Power Television  

Principles / Decency and Propriety / Gambling

 

  

Issue 1:

One complainant considered that the advertisement was making gambling seem as if it was a part of normal life and that it was putting humour into gambling, making it seem to be fun.

 

Issue 2:

Several complainants objected to the advertising on the grounds that it was offensive and sexist to men. The complainants objected to the comparison of the man to a racehorse and to the woman throwing a pair of underpants at him which they considered was demeaning and sexist to men.

 

Several complainants also referred to the commentary in the advertisement to the man’s ability to breed and said that if this comment had been made in regard to a woman it would be considered inappropriate and lacking sensitivity.

 

Issue 3:

Several complainants objected to the use of the word “banker” in the advertisement on the grounds that they considered it offensive as it was suggestive and was being used in a derogatory way.

 

One complainant considered that the term was implying that Irish people were stupid and racist, while another considered that it was racist to English people.

 

 Not Upheld N/A https://www.asai.ie/complaint/gambling/

 

 

The ASAI conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The ASAI Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Committee’s adjudications.

 

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

 

www.asai.ie

 

Follow The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland on LinkedIn and Twitter @THE_ASAI

 

 

92% of people plan to prioritise a good night’s sleep this year – Core Research HEALTH 2022

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  • 70% of people say they focus on their mental health as much as their physical health
  • 29% of people intend to cut back on social media this year
  • Sleep is top new intention for over one third of the public

With three in four people feeling healthy and in control of their personal well-being this year, its clear that healthy habits picked up during the pandemic are here stay according to the latest Health Report from Core, Irelands largest marketing communications agency.

The research found that a balanced approach to both physical and mental health is more important than ever, with 70% of people saying they now focus on their mental health just as much as their physical.

60% of the population exercise at least once a week while monitoring their diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, the report also reveals that people plan to continue to take a more holistic approach towards their health through a variety of self care and well-being activities including:

  • Cutting back on social media (29% intend to start this in 2022)
  • Embracing the great outdoors by getting out in nature (22% intend to start this in 2022)
  • Prioritising enough sleep each night (31% intend to start this in 2022)

Following quality of life (71%) and mental well-being (68%), some of the most important health goals of the adult population for 2022 include:

  • Being free of disease (69%)
  • Being free of pain (65%)
  • Having lower stress levels (61%)

Since Core began tracking the Irish nations attitudes and  behaviours towards health and fitness in 2016, stress has been a dominating emotion in most people’s lives.  While it continues to be the emotion most felt by over a quarter (28%) of the adult population in the past 6 months, this is a significant drop compared to 2021 (-8%).

Co-author of the report, and Senior Research Manager at Core, Lindsey McAteer, says:

“In 2022 citizens will substitute virtual spaces with physical and sociable outlets. While there is still a demand for wearable fitness devices and tracking via apps, the intended uptake of virtual/online alternatives to working out and talking to friends or family has decreased in favour of visiting gyms and exercise classes.

What is most evident from the Core Research HEALTH 2022 report is how we intend to maintain our focus on health. As highlight as one of the five central themes of our PREDICT 22 report, Health and Well-Being is a key component of how people live their life in Ireland. Acknowledging how health incorporates food, fitness and well-being is now fully established in the Irish psyche.”

Research fieldwork was conducted by Core Research, 1,000 adults interviewed online in January 2022, representative of the adult population of Ireland.

To read the full report, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQFunGhBGq3vMg

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Core Research is part of Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company. Core employs a team of 330 people and consists of eight practices – Creative, Data, Investment, Learning, Media (comprising of Mediaworks, Spark Foundry, Starcom, and Zenith), Research, Sponsorship, and Strategy.

Are you or your client engaged in a civil or commercial dispute and keen to learn how to resolve the situation quickly and efficiently without going to court?

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Sign up for the ‘Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution’ course hosted by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

 

  • Online course provides solid understanding of formal and informal dispute resolution methods that offer a cost-effective alternative to costly and lengthy court proceedings

 

  • Course is ideal for solicitors, accountancy, and governance professionals as well as anyone involved in arrangements or business transactions where conflicts can easily arise such as HR, construction, technology, agriculture, transport, sport, and even family settlements

 

Are you or your client currently engaged in a commercial or consumer dispute and keen to learn how to constructively resolve the situation without going to court and facing the associated costs, negative publicity, and long delays?

 

If so, check out the online ‘Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution’ training course taking place on 22nd and 23rd March 2022 which is being hosted by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland, one of the largest branches of the international network.

 

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland provides education and training for arbitrators, mediators, and adjudicators in a bid to help people and organisations avoid, manage, and resolve conflict. Resources provided by the organisation include the promotion of access to non-court dispute resolution, guidance, support, advice, and networking opportunities, as well as facilities for hearings, meetings, and other events.

 

The ‘Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution’ course is ideal for anyone running a business – from an SME to a multinational – as well as solicitors, accountancy and business / governance professionals as well as those involved in a range of sectors where conflicts can often arise such as construction (e.g. planning processes as well as climate and environmental procedures and infrastructure), technology, agriculture, transport, and sport.

 

Internationally recognised, the course offers delegates a solid understanding of the various methods of formal and informal dispute avoidance, management, and resolution across all industries that are an alternative to court proceedings.

 

Topics that will be covered include Arbitration, Conciliation, Construction Adjudication, Early Neutral Evaluation, Expert Determination, MED-ARB, Mediation, Mini-Trial, Negotiation, Neutral Expert Fact-Finding, Ombudsman, Online Dispute Resolution, Private Judging, and Summary Jury Trial. While the syllabus is largely set in the context of legislation and guidance in the Republic of Ireland, but being an all-Ireland Branch, the course will also refer to legislation in Northern Ireland.

 

There are no entry requirements as the course is intended for candidates who are interested in the field of ADR, wish to learn more about ADR and its benefits to users, and/or wish to become an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

 

The training includes:

  • A series of interactive learning modules and a selection of video scenarios to help participants deepen their understanding of the topics covered
  • State of the art virtual classroom environments, incorporating dynamic classroom tools
  • Leading practitioners and academics in the field of ADR as specialist tutors
  • First-class training materials designed by experts

Upon successful completion, learners will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Those who take part also qualify for six hours of CPD credits.

 

Billy Morrissey, Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland, said: “We are delighted to make this opportunity available in Ireland now that the country is opening up again and the economy is performing well. Of course, there will always be conflicts and business disputes as long as humans are involved. Alternative Dispute Resolution systems are powerful tools that would be a benefit to the skill set of any young professional. We are living in an ever-changing world with a more educated and sophisticated society where there is a huge hunger for participation and engagement.

 

The Irish Branch of the Institute is celebrating its 40th year this year and has almost seven hundred members of various professions offering a range of ADR services from mediation to construction contracts adjudication and conciliation to commercial arbitration and more. This course is an opportunity for professionals to widen their skill-set and learn from experts. The techniques and skills learned can add structure to what we know already and provide an opportunity to specialise as required with a globally acknowledged and highly regarded Institute.”

 

 

To learn more, please visit www.ciarb.ie

Or email: [email protected]

DSPCA and Rothco unveil new NFT campaign entitled ‘NwooFT’ which reimagines viral dog memes as NFTs to raise funds for dogs in need

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  • Full purchase of the NFT and percentage of each transfer will be donated to DSPCA’s animal shelters

 

  • Two iconic dog memes – Egg Dog and This is Fine Dog – part of first ‘litter’ available to purchase online

 

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare organisation, has today unveiled NwooFT, a campaign reimagining viral dog memes as NFT’s (Non-fungible tokens) to generate funds directly for the charity in collaboration with Rothco, part of Accenture Interactive.

 

The project will see all proceeds go directly to the DSPCA. The full initial purchase of the NFT – and a percentage of each subsequent transfer – will be donated to the animal shelter, generating actual money to help real dogs. You can purchase the NFTs, along with instructions on how to do so, here: https://nwooft.dog/

 

Each drop of NFTs provide a combination of two iconic dog memes, showcasing a wide array of art styles and aesthetics. The first ‘litter’ is a combination of two of the internet’s greats: Egg Dog and This is Fine Dog. A second wave is set to launch shortly. The number of variations and degree of rarity depends on the size and strength of each ‘litter’.

 

This is the first NFT collection released by Rothco, part of Accenture Interactive.

 

As the buzz around cryptocurrency and NFTs grows by the day, so too do the possibilities of what can be achieved in this space. As excitement and intrigue continues to spread online, there is a growing potential for the world of NFTs to become a place to connect and grow cause-based communities in real life and support charitable causes.

 

The team at Rothco realised their desire to explore and evolve the NFT space was perfectly aligned with the needs of the DSPCA and to help them reach a wider audience. Thus, NwooFT was born – a campaign that sees the agency reimagine some of the internet’s favourite dog memes as NFTs to generate donations for real life dogs in need.

 

Tobin Nageotte, technology and innovation director at Rothco, part of Accenture Interactive, comments: “NwooFT is really just an experiment. There is so much cynicism around NFTs – they’re speculative, a passing fad, waste of time/money, etc. But decentralisation via Web3 will have a very real and seismic impact on our industry and it’s important that we’re out ahead of the change. Beyond helping out a great cause, what we learned on NwooFT really opened our eyes to the massive creative and strategic opportunities that come with Web3.”

 

Suzanne McGovern, corporate relations manager at DSPCA, adds: “The DSPCA are very excited about NwooFT as it allows us as a charity to engage with a new online community. We get to reach a wider audience, raise awareness of the work we do for animals and bolster our fundraising efforts in a new and exciting way. Watch this space.”

 

Contraceptive Pill and Hair Loss revealed as most requested medical treatments of 2021 on Webdoctor.ie

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After a year of huge demand for online medical services, Webdoctor.ie reveals a 20%+ increase across top consultations over the past 12 months

 

  • 65% of males seeking treatment for hair loss were aged 18-35 – significantly higher than any other age group
  • STI kits were the most in demand Home Testing Kit of 2021, with 86% of those requesting kits aged 18-40
  • Premature Ejaculation is impacting men of all ages – 50% of consultations aged 18-35, 14% aged between 36-40 and 26% aged 40+
  • Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction has seen a huge surge in 2021 with consultations at Webdoctor.ie up 24%

 

The Contraceptive Pill, Hair Loss and Erectile Dysfunction were the most requested treatments of 2021, according to new figures revealed by Webdoctor.ie, Ireland’s leading online GP service.

 

The awarding-winning Irish owned health technology platform also reveals that the top three most requested treatments for female Webdoctor.ie patients were for the Contraceptive Pill, Weight Management and surprisingly, Asthma. The most requested treatment for male Webdoctor.ie patients was for Hair Loss, followed closely by two common sexual health conditions – Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation.

 

Top three treatments for female Webdoctor.ie patients:

 

Contraceptive Pill

Of those who had a contraceptive pill related consultation, 83% were aged 18-35, the majority of who were Dublin based. This figure dropped significantly for females aged 36-40, down to just 10%.

 

Weight Management

With regards to those seeking lifestyle advice regarding nutrition and exercise, 70% were aged between 26-45.

 

Asthma

In relation to Asthma related consultations, a condition which is normally associated and diagnosed in childhood, 60% were aged 26-40 which was significantly higher than any other age group i.e., less than 10% of patients were under the age of 25, 13% aged 41-45 and just 17% of patients aged 46-65+.

 

Top three treatments for male Webdoctor.ie patients:

 

Hair Loss

Hair Loss was the most requested treatment for male Webdoctor.ie patients in 2021. While most would associate hair loss treatment with older men, 65% of patients availing of this service were aged 18- 35.

 

Erectile Dysfunction

Seeking help for Erectile Dysfunction or other sexual related conditions can often be delayed due to embarrassment, however, there was a significant surge in men seeking treatment for ED with webdoctor.ie in 2021, with consultations up 24% year on year. Nearly two third (63%) of patients were aged 40 or older.

 

Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation (PE), is one of the most common sexual medical conditions and clearly one that affects men of all ages with half (50%) of consultations at Webdoctor.ie aged 18-35, 14% aged between 36-40 and 26% were men over 40 years old.

 

Home Testing Kits

STI kits were the most popular home testing kits of 2021. Of those who ordered an STI Testing Kit, 86% were aged 18-40, the majority of who were Dublin based (almost 40%). This figure decreased significantly for people aged 41-65+, with just 14% of patients in this age group ordering home testing STI kits.

 

Commenting on these findings, David Crimmins CEO of Webdoctor.ie says:

 

“A clear outcome from these findings is that the demand for online medical services has been significantly accelerated due to Covid-19. Whether it’s an online consultation about hair loss, which was the most requested treatment for male Webdoctor.ie patients this year, an online prescription for the contraceptive pill or ordering a home testing STI kit, the statistics show that access to these services were in high demand throughout the last year.”

 

Webdoctor.ie patients can avail of same or next day appointments which offer access to expert and affordable medical advice, with Webdoctor.ie treating some of the most common illnesses from as little as €25.00.

 

Webdoctor.ie services include:

 

  • GP Video Consultation: Available with one of Webdoctor.ie’s 40+ GPs, with same day or next day availability.
  • Online Prescriptions: Over 20 prescription services are available 24/7/365, including the Oral Contraceptive Pill, Hair Loss, Erectile Dysfunction and many more.
  • Home Test Kits: Kits available include tests for Sexual Transmitted Diseases, Cholesterol, Thyroid and many more.
  • Covid-19 Test Referrals: Complete an online questionnaire reviewed by the Webdoctor.ie medical team and a referral for a COVID-19 test will be arranged if clinically appropriate.

 

Webdoctor.ie is an Irish owned health technology platform founded by healthcare and IT professionals who have conducted over 250,000 consultations since the business was founded in 2014. The company featured in the most recent Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Awards.

 

For more information visit www.webdoctor.ie or

follow Webdoctor.ie on Twitter  @WebDoctor_i.e., Instagram @webdoctor.ie and

LinkedIn WebDoctor.ie

An Post issues new stamps to mark centenary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses

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An Post has unveiled two new stamps to celebrate the centenary of the publication of James Joyce’s celebrated book Ulysses.

 

Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential pieces of modernist literature, Ulysses was initially published as a series of stories in an American journal and was first published as a complete novel on 2 February 1922 – James Joyce’s 40th birthday. The book chronicles a single day (16 June 1904 – now celebrated as Bloomsday) in the lives of Stephen Dedalus along with husband-and-wife Leopold and Molly Bloom as they meander through the streets and suburbs of Dublin.

 

The Ulysses 100 stamps from An Post were designed by Amsterdam-based Irish designers, The Stone Twins. The stamp design is intentionally unorthodox, challenging, and unexpected, as well as modernist – exactly what you would expect from Ulysses.

 

Inspired by James Joyce’s use of the ‘Gilbert Schema’ within Ulysses, the two-stamp design consists of a total of 18 sections, which signify the number of chapters in the book. The stamp design overlays the colours and structure defined in Joyce’s ‘Gilbert Schema’, with photographs captured by renowned photographer JJ Clarke, a doctor from Castleblayney in Co. Monaghan who took vivid images of daily life in Dublin when he was a medical student there between 1897 and 1904. As Ulysses is particularly famous for challenging the conventions of language, the inverted type used in the stamp design was chosen to reflect Joyce’s experimental use of language.

 

An Post expects strong interest in the Ulysses 100 stamps at home and abroad from collectors, the Joycean community, and those with an interest in literature. The specially designed First Day Cover, a souvenir envelope, features a JJ Clarke photograph of 14-18 Ormond Quay Lower and Swifts Row, taken from the South Quays and featuring the River Liffey. The First Day Cover also features both of the Ulysses 100 stamps and a special cancellation mark.

 

The Ulysses 100 stamps and a special First Day Cover commemorative envelope are available at selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop

 

An Post CEO, David McRedmond said: “The claims for Ulysses as the greatest novel of the 20th Century, and the first great modern novel, remain vibrant. Its 100th anniversary shows something else: that Ulysses is as relevant now as a work of art as when it was written. These stamps reflect the unique mix of modernism and classicism that define the novel.”

 

Internationally renowned Joycean expert, Senator David Norris said: “Frozen in time the images on these stamps illustrate remarkably the period of James Joyce’s Ulysses in 1904. It is tempting to think that in the world of fiction these stamps might have adorned Bloom’s letter to Martha Clifford. I congratulate An Post on their production to mark the centenary of the publication of Ulysses.”

 

Supply agreement between GSK and Irish Government will enable access to COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab for patients in Ireland

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  • Supply agreement is based on the European Commission (EC) Joint Procurement Agreement for sotrovimab.
  • Sotrovimab received marketing authorisation from the EC for the early treatment of COVID-19 in December 2021.1
  • Clinical trial data showed intravenous treatment with sotrovimab resulted in 79% reduction in all-cause hospitalisations for more than 24 hours or death due to any cause compared to placebo.2,3

GSK today announced that agreement has been reached with the Irish Government for the supply of COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab, developed in partnership with Vir Biotechnology.

The contract is enabled by the 2021 Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) between GSK, Vir and the European Commission (EC) for the supply of up to 220,000 doses of sotrovimab to EU member states.

Following the December 2021 grant of marketing authorisation to sotrovimab for the early treatment of COVID-19 by the EC1, member states participating in the JPA, including Ireland, were able to proceed with ordering sotrovimab to support their pandemic response. Sotrovimab is now available in Ireland.

The grant of the marketing authorisation in the EU is based on data from the COMET-ICE phase III trial, demonstrating that intravenous treatment with sotrovimab resulted in a 79% reduction (adjusted relative risk reduction) (p<0.001) in all-cause hospitalisations for more than 24 hours or death due to any cause by Day 29 compared to placebo, meeting the primary endpoint of the trial. In absolute numbers, 30 (6%) of the 529 patients in the placebo arm progressed, compared to six (1%) of the 528 patients receiving sotrovimab. Interim data were published in The New England Journal of Medicine 2 on October 27, 2021 and final data were pre-published on November 8, 2021 on medRxiv.3

GSK and Vir are committed to the ongoing evaluation of sotrovimab as the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve at different rates across the globe and new variants of concern and interest emerge. In vitro data, published in bioRxiv, demonstrate that sotrovimab retains activity against all tested variants of concern and interest of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as defined by the World Health Organization, including, but not limited to, Omicron (B.1.1.529), Delta (B.1.617.2), Delta Plus (AY.1 or AY.2) and Mu (B.1.621).4

 

About sotrovimab

Sotrovimab is a SARS-CoV-2 neutralising monoclonal antibody administered intravenously.

Important information about sotrovimab in the European Union

Sotrovimab is approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over and weighing at least 40kg) with COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. It is recommended that sotrovimab is administered within five days of onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Please review the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) 5 for all safety information for sotrovimab. Healthcare professionals and patients are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to www.hpra.ie.

About GSK in Ireland

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company. Our Dublin headquarters is home to our Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Healthcare businesses. Our pharmaceutical business is a leader in respiratory medicine, a major provider of vaccines to the HSE and an innovator in HIV medicine through ViiV Healthcare. The consumer business is a leader in pain relief and oral care in Ireland. For further information please visit www.gsk.ie.