UNICEF and SPAR Zimbabwe join forces to protect children from cholera and other diseases
HARARE – Children in Zimbabwe are facing a serious threat from cholera and other diarrheal diseases. To help prevent the spread of these infections, UNICEF and SPAR Zimbabwe have teamed up to launch a series of awareness and communication campaigns on child rights and health issues. The campaigns will reach millions of customers through SPAR’s social media platforms and 35 stores across the country.
The first campaign, which started a few weeks ago, focuses on the importance of handwashing, good hygiene and use of safe water. These simple but effective measures can save lives and reduce the risk of cholera, which has claimed over 50 lives since September 2018. The campaign is based on the health messages developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, praised the partnership with SPAR Zimbabwe as a valuable example of private sector engagement for the promotion of children’s rights and wellbeing. He said: ‘We look forward to further engagement with SPAR Zimbabwe on several issues that focus on the rights and the well-being of children.’
SPAR Zimbabwe General Manager, Cypren Borerwe, said the collaboration with UNICEF was in line with the company’s mission statement ‘Better Together’, which reflects its commitment to being part of the community and supporting sustainable development projects. He said: ‘Our initiatives are based on our five key pillars of Responsible Retailing which focus on Women, Children, Active and Healthy Lifestyle, Animal Welfare and Environmental issues.’
The cholera awareness campaign will continue for a few more weeks, while UNICEF and SPAR Zimbabwe are already planning other child rights related campaigns for the future.
