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.
