Diarrhoea’s the second leading cause of toddler deaths

Did you know that diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death amongst children under the age of five? The Dettol Mzansi Project aims to reduce this burden by 50% by spreading awareness about the importance of hand hygiene.

Reckitt Regional Director Ioannis Dostas emphasises the importance of hand hygiene. Photo: Chanté Ho Hip

Did you know that diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five?

In an effort to cut the burden of diarrhoea in half by 2027 and in anticipation of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, Dettol launched its Mzansi Project in Kramerville on October 11.

Gauteng Department of Health’s Sikhonjiwe Masilela, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang and Reckitt Regional Director Ioannis Dostas are eager to get the Mzansi Project started.

The project aims to further educate communities, particularly mothers and children, about the importance of good hand hygiene which is a simple and effective method of preventing illness and diseases, such as diarrhoea.

The Dettol Mzansi Project aims to educate children about hand hygiene. Photo: Chanté Ho Hip

By partnering with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Springboks, Reckitt, the name behind the household brand, hopes to drive this message to the community.

According to Reckitt Regional Director Ioannis Dostas, although diarrhoea is more commonly associated with vulnerable communities where a lack of water and soap is often a problem, recent statistics revealed that a staggering 42% of South Africans don’t wash their hands with soap and water prior to Covid-19.

Gauteng Department of Health deputy director Sikhonjiwe Masilela shows his commitment to the Mzansi Project. Photo: Chanté Ho Hip

The project is in line with Dettol’s New Mums Programme which has impacted the lives of 2.5 million mothers since 2017.

ALSO READ: Successful health day for Rays of Hope

“In addition to the New Mums Programme, Dettol’s Mzansi Protect aims to educate one million learners in schools and Early Childhood Development Centres across the country with the launch of the New Dettol Hygiene Quest School Programme, with the educational message of #EachOneTeachOne, ensuring that the hygiene habit is instilled at a young age,” Dostas said.

Scientist Professor Nicola Page, Gauteng Department of Health’s Sikhonjiwe Masilela and Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang call on others to join the crusade for hand hygiene. Photo: Chanté Ho Hip

Gauteng Department of Health deputy director Sikhonjiwe Masilela noted that it is through important partnerships such as this with the private sector that will lead to improved health across communities.

“The Gauteng Health Department has a history of promoting hand washing and hygiene education, including through the creation of Early Childhood Development Centres. This partnership with private stakeholders is an important step in continuing this work.”

Dettol hosts a panel discussion about the importance of basic health. Photo: Chanté Ho Hip

ALSO READ: Dr Mark Oliver shares his professional views on being healthy and safe when in Covid-19 isolation