Pampers and UNICEF successfully conclude their regional campaign to save babies lives from tetanus
Dubai, November 11 2008: The Pampers-UNICEF campaign "1 Pack = 1 Vaccine" has raised over 5.1 million vaccines in the GCC during Shaban and Ramadan (August and September). The campaign had originally aimed to raise 4 million vaccines to help eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus in Sudan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
The campaign was launched at the beginning of Shaban (August) and saw the endorsement of Nashwa Al Ruwaini, a well-known media personality and celebrity in the Arab world. Taking on the success of the global campaign, which has raised over 50 million vaccines since 2006, the GCC campaign aimed to raise awareness of these fatal diseases and encourage the public to participate.
"When we originated this campaign in the GCC, we had hoped that the public would recognize that newborn tetanus is responsible for the death of a baby every three minutes. At Pampers, we are committed to the health and well-being of every baby and the 1 Large Pack = 1 Tetanus Vaccine campaign has given us the chance to help and protect the lives of babies in the least developed countries of the world," said Karim Kamel, Associate Marketing Director, Procter and Gamble, Babycare, Arabian Peninsula.
Every year, 500,000 cases of tetanus are registered worldwide. The disease claims the lives of approximately 140,000 young babies and 30,000 mothers every year, but the full extent of the death toll is uncertain as vast numbers of tetanus-related deaths go unreported in the developing world.
Pampers has collaborated with UNICEF to provide vaccinations to mothers and babies in the developing world by devoting a bulk of its sales proceeds to this region-wide campaign. The campaign allowed consumers to contribute through their purchases to the betterment of societies where maternal and newborn tetanus are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands.
The global Pampers-UNICEF initiative has already raised over 50 million vaccines since 2006. The regional campaign in the GCC, 1 Large Pack = 1 Tetanus Vaccine, has added an additional 5.1 million vaccines, which will be donated to Sudan, Nigeria and Pakistan. These countries have been recognized by UNICEF for the severity of maternal and newborn tetanus prevalence rates.
For further information, visit www.unicef.org.
-Ends-
About Pampers
Pampers is proudly manufactured in Saudi Arabia by Modern Products Company (MPC). The Pampers manufacturing plant, located in Jeddah, was built in 1982 with an investment of SR 480 million and is one of the most advanced diaper plants in the world. Pampers also takes pride in being a partner with the Saudi Ministry of Health in numerous health education campaigns such as "Loved you the day I had you" which educates pregnant mothers on the healthy practices during pregnancy and after their baby is born, and the "Read aloud" campaign which encourages parents to read to their children from early age to enhance their mental development and concentration ability.
For more information, families in Saudi Arabia can call Pampers' toll free number - 800 244 0039.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
Contact:
Sameena Ibrahim
Account Executive
Impact Porter Novelli, Dubai
Email: s.ibrahim@ipn.ae
Tel: +9714 3304030
Zeina Habib
Communications & Partnerships Officer
UNICEF, Gulf Area
International Humanitarian City, Dubai
E-mail: zhabib@unicef.org
Tel: +971 4 3600781
Ahmed Rizk
Brand PR Specialist
Procter & Gamble, Arabian Peninsula
Email: rizk.aa@pg.com
Tel: +9714 8064444
© Press Release 2008
