Around 5 years ago, a rather stunning statistic was revealed to the world. Each year, more than 1.1 million kids were dying before they reached the age of 5 because of diarrheal diseases that could be prevented with activities as simple as washing hands with soap and water through the course of the day. A survey also revealed that less than 2 percent of parents from the poorest regions of the world recognized handwashing as a way to prevent such diseases.
Sponsored Post: Lifebuoy invites you to Help a Child Reach 5Sponsored Post: Lifebuoy invites you to Help a Child Reach 5
However, in the year 2008, Unilever owned Lifebuoy brand co-founded the Global Handwashing Day program that sought to bring better hygiene and sanitation to vulnerable populations of the world. Using a clever mix of charitable and on ground educational programs, the program helped raise awareness about how washing hands with soap and water can help families keep their kids disease free and help them lead long and healthy lives.
So far, the program has helped more than 600,000 children celebrate their 5th birthdays and more. However, more than 3,000 kids are still perishing at the hands of such diseases each year which is why the company is now looking to get the general public involved in spreading awareness about the important and the long term impact of handwashing. Each year, Lifebuoy celebrates the Global Handwashing Day on October 15 and ropes in the services of celebrities to make the events stand out even more in the public’s memory.
Following hot on the heels of its fifth anniversary, the program has recently launched a new campaign that follows a jubilant southern Indian farmer named Gondappa who walks on his hands for miles through his village to celebrate his son’s fifth birthday. Gondappa who had lost a number of children before the age of 5 due to diarrheal diseases illustrates just how a simple activity can change the lives of millions of families around the world. This year, Lifebuoy is asking the general public to take a pledge for the cause through their social networking pages and help spread awareness by sharing Gondappa’s story.
