Reckitt Benckiser partners Health Ministry in dengue awareness drive

16 June 2015 07:55 am Views - 2564

Health Ministry Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala (second from left) exchanging copies of the agreement with Reckitt Benckiser Country Supply Manager Yoga Senaratne in the presence of (from left) National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Hasitha Tissera and Reckitt Benckiser Senior Brand Manager Ruchira Money  


Reckitt Benckiser, the global leader in healthcare and hygiene brands, has joined hands with the Health Ministry to launch a nationwide awareness and education drive called ‘Unite Against Dengue’.

The campaign, launched by Health and Indigenous Medicine Ministry Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala, calls for personal action by citizens to protect their families and neighbourhoods against the spread of Dengue. Joining hands in this initiative along with the Health and Indigenous Medicine Ministry is the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The roll-out plan includes a compelling TV commercial shot on location at the Negombo base hospital’s dengue treatment unit, considered one of the world’s best facilities for dengue clinical care.

Dr. Mahipala said the number of dengue cases was alarming. “Everyone needs to be alert and work with the authorities to contain the problem,” he stressed.
“We are happy that Reckitt Benckiser has taken the interest and initiative to embark on this education campaign which is much needed, in the effort to minimize spread of dengue and avoid fatalities.”

Reckitt Benckiser Commercial Director Sinclair Crusz said that in partnership with Health Ministry, they will address the dengue problem systematically. He emphasized that being proactive is key to mitigating fatalities. “We are happy to jointly carry out ‘Unite Against Dengue’, which will have a long-term plan of action too.”

The NCDU predicts that the numbers will increase now with the onset of the South-West monsoons. While measures have been taken in hospitals to urgently test and treat patients in a timely manner, lack of awareness in early detection, wrong self-treatments and lack of attention to neighbourhood cleanliness have become matters of serious concern and increase risks of getting the disease.

Global leader in health and hygiene products, Reckitt Benckiser in facilitating a disease-free Sri Lanka has been in the forefront of such initiatives and as responsible consumer organisation, lives up to its mission by contribution to and involvement in meaningful health-related initiatives.