By Chioma Umeha
In
line with its commitment to social responsibilities, 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 partnership covers Sexual and Reproductive Health education and
increasing consumer access to condoms by opening new channels and reaching
consumers previously unreached.
According
to a recent report by World Health Organisation (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 also in Nigeria.’
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 the spread of
sexually transmitted infections and prevent unintended pregnancy.
Rahul
Murgai, the Managing Director of RB Nigeria 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 in 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 one condom brand.”
Over
the 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 including, Shomolu in Lagos to promote good
healthy habits such as handwashing and to build a healthier nation.
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 unplanned pregnancy and
unsafe abortion as well as significantly improving the overall level of health
and well-being in Nigeria.
