Creating healthy communities

Hands are the principal carriers of disease-causing germs. It is estimated that if handwashing with soap is widely practiced, approximately 230,000 deaths may be averted every year.^1,2

Regular handwashing is a simple practice to help maintain good health.

Improved hand hygiene may bring about significant positive outcomes, such as:
1. Reducing infant mortality rates
2. Decreasing work absences caused by illness
3. Improving school attendance

Recognizing the importance of handwashing, Goal 6 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledges handwashing with soap as crucial to good health.

Lifebuoy, a hygiene soap brand, has taken this message to heart. The company's partnerships have expanded in scale, innovation, and thought leadership, forming the backbone of handwashing behavior change programs.

Handwashing activation in Pasig

In collaboration with Pasig City, and the Department of Education, Lifebuoy's parent company, Unilever, has participated in a number of sustainability programs, particularly on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

In a handwashing activation in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City's largest barangay, Lifebuoy soaps were distributed to students, parents, and teachers, equipping them with the necessary tools for practicing good handwashing.

The demonstration showcased the five key steps to effective handwashing:
1. Rubbing of palms together; (Friendship)
2. Interlacing of fingers to clean between them thoroughly; (Fighting)
3. Washing of knuckles; (Crocodile)
4. Washing around the thumbs; (Butterfly) and
5. Washing the tips of fingers. (Turn the Key)

"Lifebuoy's partnership with schools underscores our unwavering commitment to make hygiene accessible for every Filipino. Together, we empower the young generation with the right tools and knowledge to ensure a healthier life – one clean hand at a time," shared Anthony Chiang, Lifebuoy Business Performance Manager.

Throughout the year, Lifebuoy has taken its handwashing program to communities through Barangay Caravans, mirroring the initiative in Pinagbuhatan.

The brand has strengthened these initiatives by providing educational materials to help boost awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing to help prevent diseases and protect lives.

Unilever and Lifebuoy aim to sustain these programs, working with LGUs like Pasig, other relevant government agencies and institutions on education and health.

These collaborations with governments and NGOs empower the company to make a significant impact and reach those in need. By playing a role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Lifebuoy contributes to a healthy and resilient future for our communities.

Encouraging consistent handwashing to protect the health and well-being of those around us contributes to building a healthier and safer community.

To learn more about Lifebuoy's initiatives, visit their official Facebook page

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 4). Show me the science - why wash your hands?
2. Unilever calculation based in part on information reported by NielsenIQ through its ScanTrack, MarketTrack and Retail Index Services for the Skin Cleansing Category (markets defined by Nielsen or Unilever) for the 52-week period ending: Ghana - Jun 2020; Egypt - Sep 2020; Denmark, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and, UAE - Nov 2020; Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay - Dec 2020; Vietnam, Kenya, Poland, Hong Kong - Jan 2021; Austria, Belgium, Chile, Portugal, Singapore and, South Korea - Feb 2021; US - Mar 2021. (Copyright © 2021, NielsenIQ)