P&G Safeguard supports DOH's anti-measles campaign

P&G Safeguard supports DOH’s anti-measles campaign with handwashing reminder

Procter & Gamble, through Safeguard, reminds everyone to practice frequent handwashing with soap, a simple habit that can help protect young children from viral and contagious diseases like the measles.

P&G Safeguard has partnered with the DOH in support of its month-long Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas campaign. From 04 April – 04 May, vaccination teams will knock door to door in all barangays and provide immunization to children from ages zero to 95 months, or roughly 18% of the population.

The campaign is targeting to vaccinate 17 to 19 million Filipino children with the measles  and German measles vaccines, a vital step in the Philippines’ international commitment to eliminate measles as a public health problem by 2012.

As a long-time health partner of the DOH, P&G Safeguard is a proud and staunch supporter of the campaign especially since handwashing plays a key role in helping to prevent the spread of measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease which can be fatal. It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. Frequent and proper handwashing remains to be one of the most cost-effective yet significant ways in which one can prevent the spread of communicable and infectious diseases.

“We at Safeguard have always tried to champion better health and hygiene for the Filipino family and we are happy to support the Department of Health in their endeavor to keep more Filipinos healthy and measles-free,” said Chad Sotelo, Safeguard Country Marketing Manager.

Handwashing plays a significant role in the campaign as vaccinators must wash their hands with soap and wash or sanitize the arm area prior to administering the vaccine.

Providing soap for the vaccination teams, many of which are barangay health workers and volunteers from the Philippine National Red Cross is one way that P&G Safeguard is supporting the campaign.

Sotelo says that the company’s mission is to touch the lives and improve the life of more Filipinos, and the company does this primarily through their brands. “We thank the DOH, UNICEF, the PNRC, and our other partners for allowing us to give back to the country in the best way possible. If a bar of Safeguard soap means helping save the life of a child, then we are more than happy to provide what we can,” explains Sotelo.

     "APRIL 4, 2011 PRESSCON"