Unilever 2008 Annual Report Download - page 18

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In India, the Lifebuoy hygiene education programme, Swasthya
Chetna, has reached nearly 51 000 villages and made a difference
to the lives of 120 million people in rural areas since 2002. Similar
programmes in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa,
Vietnam and Indonesia reached a further 13 million.
Another common affliction is oral disease. Around the world,
over 1 billion people do not brush their teeth with a fluoridated
toothpaste at all, while over 2 billion do not brush twice a day.
Heretoo,changingeverydayhabitsiscritical.
Our Signal, Pepsodent and Close Up brands are making a real
difference. In 2008 we extended our long-standing partnership
with the FDI World Dental Federation. It now covers 40 countries.
The partnership is focusing on encouraging children and their
families to brush day and night with fluoride toothpaste as
this has the greatest impact on improving oral health around
the world.
Hygiene – changing habits, helping save lives
Globally, a lack of basic hygiene causes a wide range of illnesses.
Incorporating simple habits into everyday routines such as washing
hands with soap prevents life-threatening diseases, particularly
diarrhoea and respiratory infections. And brushing teeth day
and night can significantly contribute to the prevention of gum
disease and infection.
Makinggoodqualityproductssuchassoapandtoothpaste
affordable and widely available to consumers is a crucial starting
point, but products alone are often not enough if people do
not change their habits.
So Unilever’s health and hygiene programmes harness the
power of our marketing to change behaviour. By working with
partners in government and non-government organisations
we can extend our impact further.
In 2008 the Lifebuoy brand, together with the United Nations and
otherpartners,launchedthersteverGlobalHandwashingDay.
Lifebuoy brand teams in 23 countries helped raise awareness
about how handwashing with soap can help prevent diseases.
Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2008 15