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October 12, 2011

Novartis Philippines employees participate in first global health and well-being initiative

• Novartis Philippines associates join colleagues from 32 countries to participate in “Be Healthy”, the first Novartis Group-wide health and well-being initiative that provides opportunities for associates to take control of their personal health and help prevent future health issues.
• According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), workplace health and well-being programs addressing lifestyle changes can prevent up to 40% of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and lung disorders. 
• The health and welfare of associates is a Novartis priority and a natural extension of the company purpose, to “care and cure”.

Novartis Group Company associates across 32 countries will participate in a new Novartis health and well-being initiative during the first Novartis Be Healthy Celebration Week from September 19-23, 2011. During the week, Novartis Group sites are offering many opportunities to help associates take control of their personal health. These include providing information, activities and tips to promote health and help prevent future health issues.

Novartis is focusing on prevention programs in Be Healthy because statistics from the World Economic Forum (WEF) show that workplace health and well-being programs addressing lifestyle changes can help prevent up to 40% of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and lung disorders.

"Be Healthy supports our strong belief that good healthcare starts with our own employees," said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis. "This initiative helps Novartis associates to take an active role in managing their own health."

Each day of Be Healthy Celebration Week will focus on one of Be Healthy’s four pillars - Move, Choose, Know and Manage. Each pillar will provide Novartis associates with tips on how to lead healthier lives.

A pre-lunch lecture on the health benefits of eating fiber followed by a complimentary salad bar kicks off the weeklong celebration. Two days are allotted for after office-hours badminton, weight training and aerobics at the Novartis gym where associates will be guided by qualified fitness instructors. Associates are taught how to manage stress and achieve work-life balance in a lecture entitled “The Pursuit of HappyNESS”. Two days are dedicated to free measurement of key health indicators: blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). Based on the results of the key health indicators, company physicians will work with associates in formulating a plan to achieve a better quality of life.

“As associates of a respected healthcare company, we must set a good example by striving to adopt a healthy lifestyle and encouraging our family and friends to do so as well,” said Thomas Weigold, Country President, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

Be Healthy will have broad reach within the Group. In 2011, 76 of the largest Novartis sites across 32 countries are involved which means that the initiative will reach 80% of affiliates’ associates. In 2012, the initiative will be expanded to 88 additional sites and reach 95% of associates.

The Novartis Be Healthy Celebration Week coincides with the WHO sponsored “Wellness Week” and the United Nations (UN) High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

Novartis is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Workplace Wellness Alliance, which puts an emphasis on health and well-being (http://www.weforum.org/issues/workplace-wellness-alliance). The WEF alliance is a response to the growing burden of NCDs, the chief cause of death globally and a significant contributor to global healthcare costs.

Dr. Dante Morales, president of Philippine Society of Hypertension, shows his support for the Novartis Philippines “Be Healthy” program by having his blood pressure checked at the pharmaceutical company’s office in Makati City. “Be Healthy” is the first Novartis Group-wide health and well-being initiative that provides opportunities for employees to take control of their health.

About Novartis

Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2010, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 50.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.1 billion (USD 8.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges) was invested in R&D throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.