LAGOS, September 26th. In line with RB’s
continuous commitment to being a socially responsible organization, RB has
signed an agreement with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) to
help improve the Sexual health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
The scope of the agreement covers Sexual and reproductive
Health Education and increasing consumer access to condoms.
According
to a recent report by World Health Organization (WHO), ‘Every day, more than
one million sexually transmitted infections are acquired worldwide, and each
year an estimated 78 million people are infected’ constituting a major health
concern even in Nigeria. Thus, Sexual Health Education and Contraception are
therefore twin preventive health strategies to curb this. Research and Real
World data reveals that male latex condoms when used consistently and correctly
is an effective approach to achieve a reduction in spread of STDs and
contraception.
At the signing of the partnership agreement, Rahul Murgai,
the Managing Director of RB West Africa and Dr Ibrahim M. Ibrahim the Executive
Director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) were optimistic
that the joint efforts of the two organizations will help drive the Sexual and
Reproductive Health agenda in Nigeria.
Speaking about the partnership with PPFN, Rahul Murgai said,
“RB is excited to partner with PPFN to create scaled awareness and education
pan Nigeria on planned-parenthood, maternal health, safe contraception
techniques and targeted reduction in HIV related deaths through the effective
and consistent use of condoms. Through this collaboration, consumers will have the
requisite education and empowerment to improve their Sexual Health with easy access
to Durex- the World number 1 condom brand.”
Over the past 50 years, RB has been at the forefront for cause-related
initiatives that further the progress of Nigeria on UN Sustainable Development
Goals such as reduction in infant mortality from preventable diseases such as
diarrhea and malaria, improved public health and sanitation from reduced open
defecation problem and now partnering to reduce HIV related deaths. Its brands,
which are popular household names such as Dettol, Mortein and Harpic, have
active partnerships with Federal Ministry of Health (MoH), Save the
Children(STC), Nigerian Medical association which work to educate new mothers,
school children and reach LGAs like Shomolu in Lagos to promote good healthy
habits like handwashing and to build a healthier nation.
The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) is a
national non-governmental organization and a leading advocate and provider of
sexual and reproductive health services. PPFN is a member of the global
movement that strives for universal access to reproductive health services to
all (including poor, marginalized, vulnerable and socially excluded people)
without discrimination. According to Dr
Ibrahim “this partnership will contribute towards PPFN’s objective of expanding
access to quality services particularly for young persons in Nigeria.”
The PPFN and Durex strategic partnership will go a long way
in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs. It will also contribute to reducing the
incidence of unwanted/unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion as well as significantly improving
the overall level of health and feeling of well-being in Nigeria.
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