Harare- UNILEVER , through its hygiene brand Domestos, has complemented government efforts in fighting the cholera outbreak and embarked on a massive refurbishment of toilets at Danhiko School this week.
The global leader in consumer goods, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe and hygienic sanitation practices in Zimbabwe and joined forces with Danhiko School to spearhead a transformative initiative, ensuring over 600 learners, including those with disabilities, gain access to refurbished, clean, and safe toilet facilities.
Danhiko School is a renowned learning institution providing a nurturing environment for disabled children and it has groomed a lot of stars.
In a statement released this week, Unilever said their organisation was committed to help alleviate. sanitisation challenges in the country as part of its Corporate Services Responsibility.
“Domestos, with its decades-long dedication to protecting families globally from germs, views this collaboration as a critical step in addressing the escalating sanitation crisis affecting millions of learners in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe faces a dire situation, where inadequate sanitation not only poses health risks but also hampers the growth and development of children. The adverse effects extend to school attendance, retention rates, and the overall ability of students to concentrate and learn. “Recognizing sanitation as a basic human right, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, Domestos believes in creating safe environments that enhance learning, health, and the development of healthy and responsible citizens,” said Tendai Takaindisa, Managing Director of Unilever Zimbabwe.
She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“There are four main reasons why children miss school in Zimbabwe. Of these four, three of them are directly linked to sanitation, being diarrhoea, colds and flu, and respiratory issues. This underscores the pivotal role sanitation plays in the quality of education within our country.”
She said the initiative goes beyond providing physical infrastructure but aims to raise awareness among the youth about the global sanitation crisis.
“The focus on Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital still grappling with the aftermath of a recent cholera outbreak, underscores the urgency of addressing sanitation issues on a broader scale,” she said.
Tendai further expressed, “By addressing the pressing need for clean and safe toilet facilities at Danhiko School, Domestos is not only contributing to the physical well-being of students but also enhancing their educational performance and overall quality of life. Today, as we celebrate the positive impact made by Domestos, let us be reminded that small acts, when multiplied, can bring about substantial and lasting changes in our local communities.”
Lately, there has been a collective effort by corporates and government to combat unsafe sanitation in schools.
“The continuous commitment of our brand to advocating for safe sanitation in schools necessitates a collective
effort.
” None of these achievements would be possible without the collaboration and support of our partners, the consumers who choose our Domestos products, and all the stakeholders who advocate for the work done by the brand” she said.
This initiative is anticipated to have a profound impact on reducing diseases such as diarrhoea, a significant contributor to child mortality.
It sheds light on the broader spectrum of diseases linked to poor sanitation, including cholera, typhoid, colds and flu, and various parasitic infections.
its hygiene brand Domestos this week
Health experts said improved sanitation facilities, coupled with effective handwashing practices, play a pivotal role in mitigating the challenges faced by learners globally.
