How J&J is Tackling The World’s Toughest Health Challenges

For more than 140 years, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, committed to keeping people well at every age and stage of life.

From its beginnings at the 1876 World’s Fair to pioneering breakthroughs in medicine, medical technologies and public health, J&J has helped to shape modern healthcare.

Its rich history is filled with iconic products, visionary leaders and a continuous drive to improve the health and lives of people worldwide.

Tackling global health issues

J&J says it tackles the most pervasive and complex health challenges by uniting rigorous science, breakthrough innovation and a commitment to patients. 

Through its transformational medicines and advanced medical technologies, J&J addresses critical needs across oncology, cardiovascular care, neuroscience, immunology, orthopaedics, surgery and vision. 

In biology and technology, the company works to develop smarter, less invasive and more personalised solutions, from robotic-assisted surgery and precision catheters to heart pumps, circulatory restoration technologies and vision innovations. 

According to J&J, these innovations are especially vital in surgery, where more than 50 million people globally are impacted by surgical site infections, which account for 20–31% of all hospital-acquired infections and up to 16% of patients experience disruptive bleeding, driving costs of up to US$10bn annually in the US alone. 

By pioneering solutions that deliver care with pinpoint precision, protect healthy tissue and reimagine healing across the full cycle of care, J&J is aiming to go beyond treating symptoms to improve outcomes, restore quality of life and help build a healthier future for patients worldwide.

“At Johnson & Johnson, we are leading where medicine is going, with a relentless focus on bringing transformational medical innovation to patients who are waiting,” says Jennifer L. Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson.

“Our team’s deep expertise and global reach are helping us reimagine how devastating diseases are treated and cured, delivering hope and better care for millions of patients and their families around the world.”

Using responsible suppliers

J&J says it views its suppliers as vital partners in advancing global healthcare.

By fostering relationships grounded in trust, transparency and shared innovation, J&J integrates suppliers into its network as an extension of its capabilities, using their expertise to co-create solutions that address unmet patient need.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

In hospital supply chains, J&J works to optimise people, processes and technology, providing training and support, applying lean methodologies to improve workflows and using technology-enabled tools like RFID and barcode scanning to simplify ordering, tracking and inventory management.

By aligning supplier-enabled innovation with the unique challenges of healthcare delivery, J&J ensures that hospitals and providers have the resources and solutions they need to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and advance a healthier world.

ESG and sustainable impacts

According to J&J, it is committed to advancing global health not only through innovation in medicine and medical technologies but also by driving sustainable, responsible and equitable practices across its operations and value chain.

"A healthy planet and a healthy community go hand in hand, and sustainability is about managing our personal, business and societal impacts to ensure better outcomes for patients and society," says J&J.

J&J integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its business, focusing on areas where it can have the greatest impact: championing global health equity, empowering employees and protecting environmental health.

Through initiatives like J&J CareCommunity, Impact Ventures and global health equity programmes, the company expands access to quality care, supports nurses and community health workers and invests in early-stage companies that transform healthcare affordability and delivery.

“At Johnson & Johnson, we care for the planet like our collective health depends on it … because it does,” says Paulette Frank, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson & Johnson.

Paulette Frank ranked 34 in Sustainability Magazine's Top 250 Leaders, read the full list here.

J&J also responds to disaster relief needs and strengthens health systems to support long-term resilience, prioritising the well-being of communities and health workers.

On the environmental front, the company is decarbonising its operations and value chains, advancing sustainable products and solutions and partnering with others to promote sustainable healthcare.

By embedding accountability, innovation and ethical business practices across its operations, J&J creates a virtuous cycle of social, environmental and economic value, delivering healthier communities, a stronger planet and a more equitable future for all.