Unilever, Amref enter pact to fight cholera

Unilever East Africa has joined forces with Amref Health Africa to boost the fight against cholera in Kenya. The consumer goods manufacturer will support Amref, through its Geisha Germiguard and Pureit brands to fight the infectious disease in Kibera slums, Nairobi.

Amref said 12 people have died from the disease in Kibera's 13 villages.

Amref Health Africa CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi. He says that out of the 280 suspected cases, 50 have been confirmed as infected with cholera. 

Out of the 280 suspected cases, 50 have been confirmed as infected with cholera, said Amref Health Africa CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi, quoting latest figures from Mbagathi Hospital. The cholera response will be the first activity under a one-year extendable partnership signed by the two parties to help bolster health awareness across the country.

Speaking during signing of the partnership agreement at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi yesterday, Unilever CEO Marc Engel said the firm will help Amref in its efforts to achieve lasting health change in the continent through various activities, including training.

Under the partnership, Unilever will help train teachers and community health volunteers in the communities and schools hardest hit in the first instance, besides providing Geisha Germiguard soap and Pureit water purifiers as a way of promoting healthy living and hygiene.

Over 10,000 pieces of Geisha Germiguard soap will be donated and used to advocate hand washing as a key preventive measure for cholera and other communicable diseases, while Pureit devices will provide clean and safe drinking water.