A Force for Good Health

Driven by a commitment to be ‘A Force for Good,’ Aditya Birla Group’s initiatives aim to foster healthier communities and create lasting positive change across India.

Aditya Birla Group believes that health and well-being are the bedrock of a thriving society. With a rich legacy of championing initiatives that improve lives, the Group is not only dedicated to building India’s economic future but also to driving positive social change. Through targeted CSR initiatives, the Group is tackling some of India’s most pressing health challenges, from the fight against cancer to sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions to prevent cervical cancer among young girls from underserved families. Here’s a closer look at how Aditya Birla Group is creating lasting impact where it’s needed most.

The fight against cancer

November 7th is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day in India, to create public awareness about the early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer. The disease remains one of the world’s deadliest, with an estimated 20 million new cases globally and 9.7 million deaths in 2022 alone, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In India, the projected cancer burden is expected to rise from 26.7 million DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) in 2021 to 29.8 million in 2025.

It is imperative that corporations step up to help ease this growing burden on the nation’s progress, with a concerted effort in the battle against cancer. Aditya Birla Group’s own approach is a multi-pronged one, comprising of:

• Financial support for underprivileged patients - The Group has collaborated with the Cancer Patients Aid Association and the Indian Cancer Society to sponsor the cancer treatment of over 300 children while around 10,000 children have received support for diagnosis and treatment for several types of cancer.
• Involved with more than 5,000 children suffering from different ailments such as cancer, tuberculosis, thalassemia, and cardiac issues, among others. Extending financial support for chemotherapy sessions and medical treatment. Encouraging them in a holistic manner to get back quickly on the road to recovery.
• Awareness campaigns that are conducted in communities to educate them about symptoms, existing government healthcare services and other issues.
• Prevention and treatment at the multi-speciality tertiary Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital near Pune - As of 2023, approximately 15,500 mammograms, 50,000 cancer screenings, 18,000 chemotherapies and 1,200 onco-surgeries were undertaken for the underprivileged while around 30,000 girls have received the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

The case for sustainable menstrual hygiene

Birla Cellulose, an Aditya Birla Group business, is contributing towards improving the health of the community and reducing impact on the environment with an innovative initiative. According to a recent study by The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, girls and women use 12 billion pads annually, generating menstrual waste amounting to 9,400 tonnes per month or 1,12,800 tonnes annually.

In partnership with GoNatura, a Bengaluru-based sanitary pad company, Birla Cellulose has developed biodegradable and affordable sanitary pads. A viscose fibre made from wood pulp, called ‘Purocel EcoDry’, was specially developed by Birla Cellulose to be incorporated as the top sheet in

GoNatura’s sanitary pads. The highly-sustainable alternative to plastic-based, single-use sanitary pads, is helping to reduce the sizeable waste created by disposables, thereby reducing the ecological burden on India.

A healthier future

For Aditya Birla Group, the health and well-being of communities are core to its mission of being a ‘Force for Good’. CSR is part of the Group’s DNA and it remains committed to driving research-led innovation that will not only build a safer and healthier India, but also enhance the health and well-being of communities across the world.