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Pneumonia and diarrhea remain the leading causes of deaths in children under five, with 6,000 children dying every day. We are working together with Unilever and local governments to address these preventable deaths by creating a culture of handwashing with soap in schools and communities. THE LIFEBUOY SCHOOL OF 5 PROGRAM We partner with Unilever on the Lifebuoy School of 5 program. The 21-day behavior change communication program developed by Lifebuoy, Unilever’s leading soap brand, allows teachers and community health workers to engage school-aged children to change behaviors through handwashing programs and activities, such as song writing, comic books and pledges. We know that when children learn and understand healthy behaviors, they help pass on life-saving information to their families at home and future generations – setting off a powerful ripple effect. SPOTLIGHT: LIFEBUOY & SAFEWAT IN VIETNAM In Vietnam, we’re driving home the importance of integrating handwashing with safe drinking water. By packaging Lifebuoy soap with PSI’s water purification solution, SafeWat, we have increased product visibility and reinforced the message. We have expanded distribution through rural consumer goods and pharmacy outlets in two provinces. PSI designed an innovative ‘clip strip’ display to help crowded rural outlets improve visibility of Lifebuoy soap and SafeWat household water treatment for rural customers in need of both products. We’ve worked hard on targeting common misconceptions such as, if water looks or smells clean, it is safe to drink. From March to August of 2014, we reached 4,059 caregivers through face- to-face outreach. BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES THROUGH HANDWASHING Photo Credit: Jackie Presutti
