SC Johnson and IFRC join efforts to protect families from the Zika virus
Family company donates nearly $1.5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for vulnerable families in Latin America and the Caribbean
RACINE, Wis., May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SC Johnson announced that it will donate nearly $1.5 million to support the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and provide vulnerable families with preventative resources against mosquitoes that may carry the Zika virus. The company will donate personal repellents, containing DEET, and spatial repellents, such as mosquito coils, for distribution in regions where the Zika virus is most prevalent. This initial donation to the IFRC is part of SC Johnson's commitment to donate at least $15 million US dollars over the next year to help protect families from mosquitoes that may carry harmful mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
"Latin America and the Caribbean are currently the most vulnerable areas in the world with respect to the Zika virus. Families at risk in these regions depend on organizations like the Red Cross and Red Crescent to ensure that they have protection against mosquitoes that may carry Zika," said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "The people of SC Johnson are dedicated to helping these families, and this partnership with the IFRC is a big part of that commitment. Through its National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the IFRC has the required infrastructure and distribution capability to reach vulnerable families across the region."
The IFRC has recently launched a global appeal to combat the Zika virus outbreak. "The IFRC is stepping up its community-based action to stop this outbreak from spreading further, and protect the lives and livelihoods of people across the Americas. If we don't want Zika to spread further, we need to act now," said Walter Cotte, IFRC Director for the Americas.
"The number of dengue cases has risen from 15,000 in the 1960s to more than 360 million today and this must not be allowed to happen with Zika. In addition to the health threat, vector-borne diseases such as Zika or dengue have a huge economic impact on the affected countries affected," he continued.
The IFRC, through its local Red Cross societies, will distribute SC Johnson's donation of OFF!® personal repellent and Autan® coils to vulnerable communities in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panama and Peru.
About SC Johnson
SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 130-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com
About The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 190 member National Societies. Together, the IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org. You can also connect with IFRC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
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SOURCE SC Johnson; International Federation of the Red Cross
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