Strategic cooperation promotes personal hygiene awareness

Infectious illnesses such as influenza, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), diarrhoea, and most recently COVID-19, have posed challenges to the healthcare system.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health (MoH), as of April 10, the country had recorded more than 10,000 cases of HFDM.

Other diseases that have vaccines, such as measles and whooping cough, have also increased in number, with a 2.3-fold increase over the same period in 2023.

The Ministry of Health joined hands with Danang People's Committee, Vietnam Women's Union, and Unilever Vietnam to organise the programme “Meeting in Response to Global Handwashing Day (October 15) 2024". Photo: Unilever

The recent typhoons have also caused severe impacts across the country, with the potential of environmental pollution and disease outbreaks following the floods being highly concerning.

This highlights the significance of closely monitoring and strengthening preventive measures, of which handwashing with soap is the most basic, cost-effective, and efficient.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), thoroughly washing hands with soap reduces the chance of bacterial transmission by up to 35 per cent.

Cleaning hands is a simple way to reduce the spread of infections, respiratory diseases, and pathogenic bacteria.

Whether in hospitals, schools, or everyday interactions, handwashing with soap promotes greater health and a safer environment for all.

Over the last decade, Vietnam has become more aware of personal cleanliness, particularly the habit of washing hands with soap.

Continuous communication campaigns by the MoH and partners, such as the Lifebuoy brand of Unilever, have played an important role in promoting the handwashing habit and improving personal hygiene.

This effort is notably evident in community educational campaigns that teach people how to properly wash their hands, especially in infectious settings like schools and public places.

The number of people washing their hands after going to the bathroom has doubled compared to 2012, reaching around 90.6 per cent.

This is considered a significant step forward, helping to reduce the risk of infectious disorders such as diarrhoea, HFMD, and respiratory diseases.

This result has been achieved due to strong collaboration between government agencies and corporations, particularly Unilever and the MoH.

The campaign "Handwashing with Soap for a Healthier Vietnam" has reached millions of people, providing free soap and handwashing materials to children in schools and communities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Unilever quickly launched the “For a Healthy and Sustainable Vietnam” campaign, distributing over two million hygiene products and engaging in innovative communication efforts to raise awareness of personal cleanliness.

A 29-year journey

Since 1995, these practical initiatives have been steady for 29 years, contributing to current health while also laying a solid foundation for the future by fostering healthier personal hygiene habits.

A dance performance during the programme “Meeting in Response to Global Handwashing Day 2024". Photo: Unilever

Unilever's commitment to sustainability remains strong in 2024, with the implementation of numerous crucial and noteworthy projects.

One main focus currently is educating the community about hygiene and illness prevention. Every year, Unilever, the brand Lifebuoy, and the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute host early warning programmes to educate parents on how to take care of their children's health.

In June, the workshop “Disease Prevention for a Fun and Healthy Summer” helped boost families' awareness about ways to prevent common summer diseases in children.

In 2024, Unilever and Lifebuoy also collaborated with the Vietnam Young Physicians Association to implement the “For a Healthier Vietnam” programme, which included free medical examinations, consultations, and medicine distribution in 30 localities, reaching more than 30,000 people and distributing over 100,000 gifts.

In Vinh Bao district, Haiphong city, almost 1,000 individuals were inspected and treated by a team of skilled physicians, and 33 special assistance presents were distributed to the elderly and students in Vinh Bao District.

Not only does Unilever focus on health initiatives, but it also seeks sustainable development through the “Accompanying Women to Build Clean Families” programme, which provides women with education and hygiene products.

Thousands of women throughout seven localities have been supported to improve personal hygiene and family health.

Unilever's initiatives help to safeguard the current health situation and create the groundwork for a better future by encouraging long-term improvements in hygiene practices.

The excellent achievements obtained via collaboration with the MoH demonstrate Unilever's long-term commitment to raising awareness and improving the living circumstances for millions of Vietnamese people towards a stronger shared home.

Community awareness on energy transition is vital for progress Energy transition is a collective process, so to ensure active and voluntary participation from all stakeholders in society, a specific and meticulous communication plan is crucial, especially as the objectives align with Vietnam's pursuit of sustainable growth.

Vietnam, Meta launch campaign to improve online scam awareness The Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and Meta - the parent company of Facebook have launched the “Identifying Scams” campaign in Vietnam for 2024.

Promoting green innovation in agriculture Green agriculture is emerging as the optimal direction for the sector in Southeast Asia, as the region faces environmental and climate change challenges.