Panadol Children, a Haleon brand, is supporting Chronic Pain Australia’s call to ‘Make Pain Count’, helping raise visibility of children’s experiences of chronic pain and its impact on their families.
New research released for Kids in Pain Week shows chronic pain is disrupting almost every part of childhood. More than eight in ten children reported impacts on sport or extracurricular activities (83%), disrupted sleep (82%) and mental health (80%), while three quarters (76%) had missed school because of pain. Almost two thirds (62%) reported their pain had been ignored or dismissed.¹
The findings reinforce the importance of listening to children and families, recognising pain earlier and ensuring their lived experience is reflected in education, services, health data, policy and planning.
The research was discussed at the State of Kids in Pain panel on Friday 18 September, sponsored by Panadol Children and hosted at Haleon ANZ’s Sydney office. Led by Dr Brett MacFarlane, Chief Pharmacist of the Australian Journal of Pharmacy, the event brought together children and families, health professionals, researchers, educators, advocacy organisations and industry to consider how pain can be recognised earlier and addressed more effectively.
Chronic pain is a complex condition affecting more than 5.4 million Australian adults and children. However, Australia’s health system does not consistently count pain. Chronic Pain Australia’s ‘Make Pain Count’ campaign is encouraging Australians to sign a petition calling on the Australian Government to ensure chronic pain is consistently reflected in national health data, policy and planning.
Jennifer Collins, Head of Pain, Haleon Australia, said: “The starting point has to be listening to children and families. These findings are a powerful reminder that too many children have had to keep repeating their story before their pain is recognised or taken seriously. Their lived experience should help shape education, services and support.”
“Industry has a role to play, but we need to play it alongside credible partners and with the child and family at the centre. Our responsibility extends beyond the products we make. Through sustained partnerships, practical education and support for better evidence, Haleon can help give children’s experiences a stronger platform and contribute to earlier, more consistent recognition of pain.”
Nicolette Ellis, Chair, Chronic Pain Australia, said: “The impact of chronic pain extends beyond the individual. It can affect the whole family and participation in school, work and community life, while placing additional pressure on the health system.
“Making children’s pain more visible starts with measuring it properly. Kids in Pain Week is an important opportunity to build momentum for chronic pain to be consistently counted in national health data, policy and planning.”
Haleon is a consumer health company specialising in better everyday health. Through trusted brands including Panadol, Voltaren and Advil, Haleon combines scientific expertise with an understanding of people’s everyday health needs. Haleon works alongside health professionals, community organisations and policymakers to support credible education, strengthen understanding of everyday health challenges and help put better everyday health in more hands.
