Millions worldwide face inadequate sanitation facilities, especially within school settings.

Studies show that approximately half of the global population lacks access to safe sanitation, and one in three schools worldwide lacks basic toilet facilities.¹

Sanitation challenges in the Philippines

In the Philippines, a portion of the population still grapples with insufficient access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

According to the World Health Organization, 19% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, and 27% still practice open defecation.²

Addressing poor sanitation in Philippines

To help combat this issue, the disinfectant brand, Domex, has been waging war against poor sanitation in Philippine communities over the years. It has placed special importance on schools, recognizing that children are vulnerable to diseases that may affect their health and learning.

Domex, together with its parent company Unilever, donates cleaning products and tools for Brigada Eskwela activities and general toilet sanitation maintenance.

Additionally, through Unilever GIVES, a volunteer program anchored in purpose and sustainability, employee advocates also take part in toilet cleaning and teaching in-school activities to help teachers and students prepare for the school year.

Volunteers educate for hygiene

Employee volunteers from Unilever recently visited Ususan Elementary School to engage students on good toilet habits.

The program aimed to equip children with knowledge and empower them to become germ-busting superheroes through engaging and interactive sessions.

Volunteers focused on instilling the fundamental rules essential for maintaining proper toilet hygiene by teaching them the five unstoppable germ-buster rules:
1. Do not hold your pee
2. Only throw trash in the trash can
3. Must flush the toilet
4. Every time, wash your hands

Long-term commitment

Domex and Unilever's longstanding commitment to combating poor sanitation has been sustained over the years.

In 2022, Domex, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), held its first Eskwelang Unstoppable awards—an initiative to help accelerate progress toward reaching national sanitation standards.

By collectively advocating for improved sanitation and hygiene practices in schools, we may create a healthy and conducive learning environment for the future generation.

To learn more about Domex and Unilever's volunteering activities and how you may contribute, follow Domex Philippines and Unilever Philippines on Facebook.

References:
1. Global numbers WHO and Unicef joint monitoring on WASH programmes 2021
2. Improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Philippines: Challenges, Solutions, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade.