Clean Hands, Healthy Kids!

CINCINNATI, October 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Safeguard Educates & Inspires Families to Protect Themselves 'Around The Clock' on the 7^th Global Handwashing Day  

For the seventh consecutive year, leading health and hygiene brand, Safeguard, is partnering with Ministries of Health and Education around the world to capitalize on Global Handwashing Day, October 15, as the perfect opportunity to educate and inspire kids to wash their hands. Almost a decade has passed since published research identified hand washing with soap as 'the most important medical remedy for children in developing countries'^[1] and today this finding is more pertinent than ever. That's why teaching children how to eradicate disease-causing germs through proper hand washing is a key component of Safeguard's mission to help people protect the health and development of loved ones.

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A proud partner of the Global PPPHW (Public-Private Partnership for Hand Washing), Safeguard has always been a prominent supporter of Global Handwashing Day, donating $140,000 since its inception in 2008. Each year the brand employs a comprehensive communications campaign encompassing media relations, social engagement, consumer events, celebrity endorsements, and government and NGO partnerships.  

"Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to save lives by preventing the spread of disease-causing germs," says Janet Allgaier, Vice-President P&G Global Personal Care, "and Safeguard is committed to Global Handwashing Day as a key strategy for instilling this positive habit in children all over the world."

This year, the brand's super-hero, Commander Safeguard, will play a central role in engaging and inspiring kids. The iconic character features in a range of 'Around The Clock' themed content highlighting key moments during a school-kid's typical day when they are most vulnerable to germs, helping them remember the vital role hand washing plays in keeping them healthy. Learn more at: http://www.safeguardsoap.com

In Mexico, a short film will be released on social media, featuring the Safeguard Clean Hand Shake - a fun take on the global 'secret handshake' craze so often referenced in pop culture. The film ends with a call-to-action to 'Share the love. Not the germs' by practicing the handshake with friends and family - after washing their hands, of course!

In China, Safeguard is partnering with the Ministry of Health and key retail partners to help reinforce the 'Around The Clock' message. Additionally, a partnership with the charity One Foundation will supply Safeguard liquid hand soap to hand washing stations set up following the 6.1 earthquake that struck South-West China's Yunan province in August.

On October 15^th, protect yourself and your loved ones by helping Safeguard promote proper hand washing Around The Clock. Share the love. Not the germs!

1. McConnell J. Favorite papers in infectious diseases 2005. Lancet Infectious Disease 5:737, 2006.

Notes to Editors  

As well as supporting Global Handwashing Day, Safeguard conducts health and hygiene research with organizations such as the Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan and Association of Medical Technologies in the Philippines, and offers disaster relief through NGOs including Save the Children, the Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About Safeguard  

Safeguard launched as a bar soap in the USA in 1963, it is now available in other product forms including Bodywash, Liquid hand soap and Hand sanitizer. Safeguard is currently sold in over 50 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America with leadership market share in China and the Philippines.

For more information on Global Handwashing Day, visit http://www.globalhandwashingday.org #iwashmyhands

SOURCE Procter & Gamble