Buy Pampers, support UNICEF vaccine campaign

Supported by celebrity moms, TV personalities and businesswomen, Basetsana Kumalo and Leanne Manas, the project seeks to put an end to the deaths of 59,000 newborn babies every year from MNT by donating to UNICEF the cost of one tetanus vaccine for every specially marked nappy and wipes pack purchased during the months of April and May.

UNICEF South Africa Representative, Aida Girma says, "Globally, MNT represents inequality in healthcare. Despite the fact that MNT is easily preventable, many of the deaths take place at home and occur among the hardest to reach populations. That is why we need to work together to reach those who are most vulnerable and end these needless deaths."

Since 2006, however, the Pampers-UNICEF campaign is helping to protect over 100 million moms and their babies from MNT, thanks to the support of consumers from across the globe. To date, the successful "1 pack = 1 life-saving vaccine" campaign has saved lives in 21 countries. Remarkably, of the geographical areas targeted, 10 countries have reached completion of their MNT vaccination programmes as a result of the extensive reach and unwavering commitment of the partnership.

This year in South Africa, the partnership is all about harnessing the spirit of Ubuntu, to drive community involvement in helping raise these life-saving vaccines for Africa's vulnerable mothers and children. "By participating in our "1 pack = 1 life-saving vaccine" campaign, our collective and continued objective is simple: to support UNICEF in their long-term goal to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus by providing life-saving vaccines," says GM for Procter & Gamble South East Africa, Stanislav Vecera.

Vecera adds, "The support we have received since 2008 has been phenomenal, with over six million vaccines raised by South African consumers alone. This year, the company is calling on the local community to come together, in the spirit of Ubuntu to help raise an additional five million vaccines for Africa."