Unilever unveils neonatal hygiene campaign

Nairobi; Kenya: Unilever has launched a hand-washing initiative targeting healthcare workers and new mothers to help reduce infant mortality in Wajir County. The neonatal period - during the first 28 days of life, is crucial for the survival of both mother and child. 

Unilever CEO for East Africa Marc Engel said washing hands with soap as a standard practice before delivery and while handling newborns is simple, cost-effective and most importantly, it saves lives.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who graced the launch of the campaign urged locals to follow simple actions like immunisation, breastfeeding, preventing diarrhoea and hand washing that could save lives and ensure every child reaches her or his fifth birthday.

Unilever's Lifebuoy has partnered with the National Nurses Association of Kenya to train health-care workers in the county on the importance of hand washing, and increasing knowledge and adoption of hand washing practices in the community. The partnership aims to improve hand washing practices among birth attendants and family members.