MAM
Bayer launches nationwide initiative to boost pre-natal nutrition in India
Doctors set Guinness World Record with unified pledge for comprehensive maternal care.
MUMBAI: Bayer has taken a bold step to fill a critical gap by turning doctors into a powerful chorus for better maternal nutrition. Bayer’s Consumer Health Division has launched a groundbreaking nationwide initiative to advance pre-natal nutrition in India. The effort was showcased at the Annual Conference of the All-India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG), where over 300 doctors gathered at the Bayer booth and recorded videos delivering a unified call for comprehensive nutrition.
In a first-of-its-kind effort, 700 healthcare professionals across India recorded a single, synchronised pledge, “I declare my support for 100% nutrition by recommending the right essential micronutrients to every woman.” This collective statement, uploaded on a bespoke platform in just one hour, set a Guinness World Record for the largest live, unified pledge by doctors in pre-natal nutrition.
India faces a severe burden of nutritional deficiencies among women, with nearly 60 per cent affected by anaemia and over 70% experiencing calcium deficiency. These gaps are especially critical during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. The initiative advocates moving beyond a limited focus on iron and folic acid to a more holistic approach that includes a wider range of essential micronutrients, including calcium, which is vital for maternal bone health and fetal development.
Bayer head of marketing and digital consumer health for South Asia Ritu Mittal, said, “This initiative aims to move beyond awareness and inspire meaningful action by harnessing the collective voice of the medical community. Our focus is on equipping healthcare providers with the right knowledge to support every woman’s nutritional journey.”
Dr Alaka Godbole, a senior gynaecologist, reinforced the message, “Maternal nutrition requires a comprehensive and sustained approach. Ensuring the right balance of nutrients can support healthier pregnancies and better long-term outcomes for both mother and child.”
The campaign aligns with national programmes such as Mission Poshan 2.0 and will be rolled out across digital platforms to create a unified call to action for healthcare providers, caregivers, and communities.
In a country where maternal nutrition remains a pressing public health challenge, Bayer has found a creative way to amplify the message by getting doctors to speak with one powerful, record-breaking voice. The initiative not only highlights the problem but also offers a clear, collective solution: comprehensive nutrition for every woman, every day.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
