HPB recruits Merck Sharp & Dohme as first Corporate Health Ambassador

SINGAPORE: The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has recruited pharmaceutical firm Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) as the statutory board’s first corporate health ambassador.

As part of the Corporate Health Ambassador Programme, MSD will get its staff to sign up as a health ambassador.

Employees will have to follow and pass all training modules conducted by the HPB, after which they will be mobilised during the board’s health promoting outreach programmes and activities.

To start off, MSD’s top management have completed an accelerated training programme and will be mobilised alongside their employees.

CEO of HPB Ang Hak Seng said: "Our Health Ambassador Network brings together volunteers from all walks of life, who share our vision of inspiring Singaporeans to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

"The involvement of organisations is an important milestone for the Health Ambassador Network, as it allows us to leverage a concentration of expertise and skills found within these organisations."

Mr Ang added that the partnership with MSD allows HPB to tap on a large number of professionals familiar with pharmaceuticals, who will then be able to contribute as volunteers in helping the less—literate elderly adhere to their medication schedules.

Managing director of MSD Annie Chin said: "As health ambassadors, not only will our employees benefit from HPB’s comprehensive training, but through volunteering in health promotion activities, they will be able to walk the talk and help the community live long and well."

The HPB’s Corporate Health Ambassador Programme is an extension of its existing Health Ambassador Network, which was formed to recruit, train and deploy community volunteers passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle to their families, friends as well as their entire communities.

Since the Network was launched in October last year, more than 3,000 people have signed up as Health Ambassadors,.

They help out at various HPB outreach activities such as integrated screenings, weight management programmes, smoking cessation counselling programmes, workshops, talks and road shows.

— CNA/wm