Save the Children Philippines welcomes SC Johnson as its latest ally in protecting the Filipino children and their families, including health workers and frontline responders against the life-threatening COVID-19.
Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, said the funding support from SC Johnson will prioritize the needs of children to access accurate hygiene information and lifesaving tools, particularly in health emergency.
“The beauty of our partnership with SC Johnson is that our strategic COVID-19 mitigation efforts will also serve children and youth with disabilities who often face discrimination, deprivation of health services, and social exclusion,” said Muyot.
One out of seven or roughly 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities according to the 2018 estimate of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“The health crisis has exacerbated the living conditions of children and youth with disabilities, along with those who belong to the marginalized, deprived, and conflict-affected sectors. It is our duty to uphold their rights and make this world a better place for children,” said Muyot.
The funding from SC Johnson will help Save the Children Philippines develop disability-inclusive audio-visual materials on proper handwashing and hygiene which will include the use of sign language, and will be translated into English, Filipino, and regional languages.
The partnership will also cover the distribution of family hygiene essentials, learning materials, and the printing of indoor and outdoor collaterals to be installed in strategic locations in schools and communities – all to raise public awareness on good hygiene practices and COVID-19 prevention.
Personal protective equipment (PPEs) will also be provided to barangay and city health workers and other community frontliners along with cleaning kits in learning sites.
"We would like to thank SC Johnson for partnering with us and strengthening our COVID-19 response. Their generosity will significantly help communities survive, learn, and be protected," said Muyot.
In the last four months, Save the Children Philippines has been providing lifesaving support to children and their families through the distribution of hygiene kits, food items, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, and children’s consultation, reaching close to 250,000 individuals.