Slingshot has been appointed by two health-focused organisations, Novo Nordisk and The Dry July Foundation, following competitive pitches.
Both appointments see the independent agency managing media for organisations tackling significant public health issues.
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the maker of obesity medication Wegovy, has engaged Slingshot to develop and manage its first consumer campaign in Australia. Since launching locally, Novo Nordisk had focused its communications on healthcare professionals. The new campaign marks its first consumer push, designed to raise awareness of obesity as a chronic disease.
Slingshot secured the business following a three-way pitch and will lead media strategy, planning and buying across out-of-home, including programmatic OOH, digital, influencers and social.
“Obesity is a complex, long-term health issue, and this campaign is an important step in helping to shift public understanding of it as a chronic disease,” said Jane Waterhouse, managing director at Slingshot. She said the agency’s remit is to deliver a media strategy that builds awareness of the condition while increasing recognition of the treatments available, including Novo Nordisk’s innovative medicines.
Cem Ozenc, corporate vice president and general manager of Novo Nordisk Oceania, noted that obesity and being overweight affect two-thirds of Australian adults and one quarter of children. “This campaign will help us engage directly with the public, increase awareness of obesity as a chronic disease and change the way we talk about one of Australia’s most prevalent health concerns,” he said.
The Dry July Foundation, the not-for-profit charity behind the annual Dry July campaign, has raised more than $97 million for people affected by cancer. It has appointed Slingshot to provide media services ahead of this year’s campaign, with the agency delivering media strategy, planning, buying, digital, social and SEO across Australia.
Foundation CEO Gillian Odbert said the partnership would help Dry July communicate its mission more effectively and drive community engagement. “Their strategic approach across multiple media channels will support our ongoing efforts to fund cancer support services,” she said.
Waterhouse said Dry July is a campaign that resonates with many Australians. “The funds raised have a real and lasting impact on people affected by cancer, and our focus will be on driving participation, donations and greater awareness of the cause through a smart, integrated media approach.”
“Both Novo Nordisk and Dry July are tackling critical health issues that require thoughtful, well-targeted communication,” Waterhouse said. She added that Slingshot’s approach blends creative thinking with data-led media strategy to deliver better outcomes for brands with a genuine purpose.
