Health, nutrition & hygiene

Health is a major focus of our company — the health of our employees and the health of our consumers. It is also one of the main focuses of our social responsibility programmes.

Striving to improve health

Our companies are involved in a wide range of projects designed to improve health. These include AIDS counselling and education programmes, sponsoring sporting events and teaching people about the importance of oral hygiene, good nutrition and heart health.

Signal Oral Health Service

Signal has been promoting good oral health awareness for over 25 years

Bangladesh: Bringing health care to remote communities

With only 20 doctors for every 100 000 people, many Bangladeshis have little access to medical treatment. In the remote delta regions of Jamuna and Brahmaputra, however, a Unilever-sponsored hospital ship is bringing health care to people.

Global: Helping to improve oral health

Healthy teeth are important, not only for good oral hygiene and health but also because they help people feel confident and live life to the full. Changing people’s brushing habits is an important step to improving long-term oral health.

Global: Partnership with UNICEF

On 9 December 2004, Unilever signed an agreement with UNICEF to work together towards making a measurable difference to childhood mortality by 2015.

India: Lifebuoy promotes handwashing with soap to improve health

Diarrhoea causes over two million deaths a year. Handwashing with soap and water can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 48%.

India: Medicine on the move

India has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, but inequalities of opportunity still exist. One area is in health care. In the remote province of Assam, we are supporting mobile clinics to bring health services to local communities.