UNILEVER COMBAT A (H1N1) PANDEMIC

The severity of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic was much cause for concern locally. At the height of the pandemic, Unilever ( Malaysia) Holdings Sdn. Bhd. was among the first private sector corporate citizens to step out and actively combat the spread of the virus.  In a joint collaboration, the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Unilever initiated the “Bersama Mencegah H1N1” national campaign at the IOI Mall in Puchong, Selangor on 25 July. The campaign was also supported by Guardian Malaysia.

The campaign was launched by YB Dato’ Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health, Malaysia, in the presence of Andre Rompis, Chairman of Unilever (M) Holdings Sdn. Bhd and Ms Soon Ai Lan, General Manager of Guardian Malaysia (GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd). At the launch ceremony, members of the public had first-hand experiences in learning proper hand-washing techniques, guided by the “Glo-Germ” tests provided by Unilever, including the proper seven-step hand-washing technique, as recommended by the Ministry of Health, Educational quizzes and games for adults and children also helped in infusing a fun way to learn these steps.

Health professionals, including doctors and nurses, were also present at the event to demonstrate the correct procedures for the handling of thermometers and the wearing of face masks while also attending to queries by members of the public as they eagerly sought information regarding the A(H1N1) outbreak and preventive measures. Among the frequently-asked issues were concerns over discernable flu symptoms, advice on adopting the necessary self-abstinence and social-distancing measures as well as tips and travel-related queries regarding countries with a widespread outbreak of the disease such as the United States, the UK, Australia and Japan. The public also took the opportunity to purchase flu-prevention related products at special prices.

“It is very important that everyone is aware about the necessary preventive measures to counter the spread of Influenza A(H1N1) which has been skyrocketing drastically over the last few weeks alone as more people are contracting the virus via local transmission. It is also timely that the Malaysian public adopts proper hygiene habits as these simple steps can be easily incorporated into our daily hygiene routines,” said YB Dato’ Seri Liow Tiong Lai in his speech at the launch ceremony, stressing that it is the responsibility of every Malaysian to play their part in helping the authorities to control and keep the spread of the virus to a minimum.

The campaign will see several complementary initiatives being carried out on a nationwide scale. The Ministry of Health and Unilever will also be going on joint road shows to conduct hygiene talks at pre-schools and primary schools to educate children on the importance of cultivating proper hygiene habits in order to maintain good health. Hygiene packs and samplings of

soap will be distributed to the public while awareness posters illustrating proper hand-washing techniques will be displayed at public places such as LRT, Monorail and KTM stations as well as common Rest & Service areas in the country. In addition, the

team will also carry out hand-washing interactive demonstrations at other high-traffic venues including shopping malls.