Driving generational change to prevent chronic diseases, Nordisk Taiwan promotes urban health.

Employees from the international pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk participated in food packaging operations alongside patients from the Prader-Willi Patient Care Association .

Taipei --- "This food was well-preserved; I didn't eat it first!" This phrase, uttered during a joint CSR diary activity organized by Nordisk Pharmaceuticals and Andrews Food Bank, brought a knowing smile to the faces of all employees. The event, initiated by Nordisk, involved over 40 employees, along with 13 members of the Prader-Willi Patient Care Association, who packaged 269 elderly food boxes, benefiting over 807 vulnerable families.

There are approximately 300 patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in Taiwan. Dr. Cai Liping, executive director of the association, said, "Due to a genetic defect, patients often feel hungry and have a strong appetite. Some parents have shared that refrigerators and food cupboards at home need to be locked, and they also need to talk to neighbors or nearby vendors to avoid providing food to Prader-Willi patients. If they can't find food at home, they will go out foraging and begging, causing neighbors to mistakenly believe they are being abused." Therefore, the association was very curious when it received the invitation from Nord and Nord to prepare food for other vulnerable groups. "Usually, Prader-Willi patients will not miss any food!" He believes that this activity is particularly meaningful. Before the event, Dr. Cai gave a special lecture at Novo Nordisk, allowing colleagues to understand the disease and how to coexist with patients from a more patient-oriented perspective.

Nordic Pharmaceuticals Taiwan stated that obesity is a disease area that the company is concerned about. In addition to dedicating itself to drug research and development, it is also actively expanding the action path of "from treatment to prevention", and is concerned about issues such as food, environment, space and activity. We learned from the association that without appropriate drug treatment, Prader-Willi syndrome has a high probability of developing obesity, and proposed to provide patients with an opportunity to change roles through this action. By participating in the packaging process of food boxes, they can transform from being a caregiver to being part of protecting the health of others. Dr. Cai Liping said: "For patients, food is an important issue in life that requires long-term learning of moderation and management. Preparing food for those in need is not only a public welfare action, but also a way for patients to establish connections with society and exert their influence."

This time, a "Long-Lasting Food Box" is specially packaged for those aged 65 to 80 , providing senior-friendly foods that are low in sugar, sodium, and fat. Luo Shaohe, Executive Director of the Andrew Charity Foundation, observed that many members of disadvantaged families face the disparity of being obese but malnourished, demonstrating that an unbalanced diet has become a hidden health risk in cities. Elderly individuals are often limited in their dietary choices due to chronic diseases and financial constraints. Regarding this, Dr. Cai Liping stated, "Food choices and nutritional balance are not only important for the elderly, but are also crucial for people with Chubby Willy. Patients should choose low-calorie, satiety-enhancing foods and ensure a balanced intake of the three major nutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein."

That day, Nord and Nord staff personally delivered packaged food boxes to the elderly and led them in stretching exercises and health education. Through warm-up exercises and interactive conversations, they tangibly engaged with the needs of the community. They also rolled up their sleeves to clean up the environment, removing nearly 90 kilograms of street litter. This action supports Nord and Nord's sustainability goals, aiming to achieve net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2045 .

Hans Duijf , General Manager of Novo Nordisk Taiwan , said, "We are not only focused on scientific innovation, but also committed to implementing our Triple Bottom Line sustainability commitment. We take our employees to the front lines and let them experience firsthand the connection between urban health issues and the value of their work, from patient health, social value, to environmental responsibility. Each is indispensable." Novo Nordisk Taiwan is committed to its core corporate mission of "Driving Change and Working Together to Defeat Serious Chronic Diseases." This event echoes SDG 3 and SDG 11 , starting from vulnerable groups on the margins of cities, and implementing the company's concept of preventing and caring for obesity and other related chronic diseases into employees' awareness and actions.