Unilever to launch global handwashing campaign with UK government

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Mar 27, 2020

The UK government has partnered with Unilever to fund a major campaign targeting a billion people worldwide.

The initiative, led by Unilever’s Domestos bleach and Lifebuoy soap brands, will raise awareness of the need for proper hand hygiene to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Running across TV, radio, print, social and digital media, the campaign is backed by funding of up to £50 million each from both the UK’s Department for International Development and Unilever.

It will aim to change people’s behaviour in countries across Africa and Asia, like Kenya, Ghana and Bangladesh, with tailored messages to tackle the potential future impact of the coronavirus on the global economy and travel.

International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Health experts have said washing your hands regularly and staying away from other people are the most effective ways to stop this virus from spreading and to save lives.

“Many people in the poorest countries lack access to basic hand washing products, such as soap, or are not aware of the urgent need to change their behaviour. The UK Government’s partnership with Unilever, will make a real difference, helping to protect both developing countries and the UK from further infections.”

Unilever CEO, Alan Jope, added: “As the world’s biggest soap company, we have a responsibility to help make soap and hygiene products more readily available, and to use our expertise to teach people to wash their hands effectively, whichever brand they choose to use.”

The consumer goods firm that's the owner of brands including Dove, St. Ives, and TRESemmé has also committed to donate over 20 million hygiene products in the developing world, including in areas where there is little or no sanitation.