Following the six-step handwashing process with soap can reduce the risk of spreading bacteria by up to 35 per cent, as stated by the World Health Organization. Photo courtesy of Unilever.

The recommendation was made at a ceremony held by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Unilever, to commemorate the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (December 27). The ceremony was attended by representatives of revelant Vietnamese authorities, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and Unilever Vietnam Fund (UVF).

It aims to emphasise the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for, and partnerships against epidemics, as proposed, negotiated, and promoted by Việt Nam, demonstrate Việt Nam’s evident growing role as a major player in the global health security arena.

In recent years, infectious diseases in the world and in Việt Nam have not only become more common but also developed in unpredictable ways.

The tropical climate, monsoons, heat, and humidity pose a challenge, particularly during the seasonal transition, leading to unpredictable weather changes.

This requires Việt Nam to confront the spread of various diseases such as flu, measles, rubella, and avian influenza.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a typical example of the dangerous spread and outbreak of infectious diseases.

According to reports from many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic is trending back in 2023.

In Malaysia and Singapore, the number of COVID-19 cases per week has increased by 50-100 percent. In Singapore, the number of COVID-19 hospitalisations increased by about 65 per cent in the week from November 26 to December 2.

However, the situation remains under control in Việt Nam. Diseases such as dengue fever and flu are also well-managed in Việt Nam. But, according to health experts, it is still essential to actively implement disease prevention measures such as thoroughly cooking food, boiling water, handwashing, and maintaining proper hygiene and nutrition.

Lê Thị Hồng Nhi, head of Communications and Corporate Affairs - Personal Care SEA, Unilever, stated: “Personal hygiene and environmental sanitation should always be emphasised, particularly during the festive season, to ensure everyone is healthy and happy.

“Unilever is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Health in spreading practical messages to the community on the International Day of Epidemic Prevention and Control, contributing to the fight against infectious diseases for a healthier Việt Nam.”

The “Lifebuoy - Handwashing with soap for a healthier Việt Nam” programme is a typical activity where Unilever, and Lifebuoy, a brand from Unilever Vietnam, aims to improve hygiene conditions and health for the Vietnamese people, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to implement annual events to respond to Global Handwashing Day.

Unilever has also cooperated with the Ministry of Health to implement many other prominent programmes aimed at improving health and sanitation for children.

In June 2023, Unilever partnered with the ministry’s Environmental Health Management Agency to implement the program “For a healthy and sustainable Việt Nam” for the 2023-2028 period.

In December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly approved the resolution on International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, an initiative put forward by Việt Nam, designating December 27 as the day to mark the occasion. This day is intended to draw public attention to raising awareness and calling for the participation of the entire society in disease prevention and control.