Dow Chemical : Announces Affiliation with the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap

Washing hands with soap is a proven way to help prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases, especially among children. In fact, nearly two million children under the age of five die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia. Dow has joined forces with the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap (PPPHW) to promote this simple, healthy practice on an international scale.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Dow's citizenship approach. With a long history of experience in teaming with major personal care and home care companies, scientists from Dow's Home, Institutional and Personal Care Solutions business are constantly working to develop innovative products that will help improve personal health and safety. 

Dow previously worked with the PPPHW during Global Handwashing Day, a successful effort in raising awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap and water. The campaign was initiated by the PPPHW to reduce childhood mortality rates related to respiratory and diarrheal diseases and recognized DOW POLYOX™ Water-Soluble Polymers, technology that helps make soaps more affordable, last longer and feel better on the skin.

"We believe in the power of the human element to change the world. Dow places a high value on listening to our communities and we strive not just to be a good neighbor, but an excellent global corporate citizen," said Ralf Brinkmann, business president, Dow Consumer Care. "This initiative has the power to change and save lives, and we are proud to contribute to building better, stronger, and more sustainable communities in the places where we do business."

The Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap joins a number of leading non-profit organizations, peer companies and thought leaders that Dow has collaborated with to create a holistic approach that meets societal needs on many levels. These include the UN Global Compact, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Clinton Global Initiative, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Nature Conservancy, Acumen, and Keep America Beautiful.

PPPHW is a coalition of international stakeholders whose focus is handwashing and child health. Established in 2001, the partnership aims to give families, schools, and communities in developing countries the power to prevent diarrheal and respiratory infections by supporting the universal promotion and practice of proper handwashing with soap at critical times.