As the world marks Global Handwashing Day, Lifebuoy, a leading germ protection soap, continues to make significant strides in advocating for hand hygiene education to be integrated into school curricula worldwide.
In recognition of this day honoured on October 15, the brand is introducing the AI-Teacher Hippo — an AI-driven, interactive tool designed to make handwashing education more engaging and personalised for children.
Designed for children, AI-Teacher Hippo offers personalised handwashing songs, interactive games, and colouring activities that make learning about hygiene both enjoyable and effective.
This also aligns with the research that games, music, and colouring pages improve learning by giving kids memorable, multi-sensory experiences that promote good hand hygiene practices and make learning enjoyable.
The goal of expanding the campaign’s impact and reach through a partnership with the Department of Health is to guarantee that hygiene education reaches as many kids as possible, equipping them with the information and resources they need to maintain their health.
It is further revealed respiratory and diarrhoeal infections are among the leading causes of death among South African children under five, yet the simple act of handwashing has proven to be one of the most effective preventions.
Handwashing with soap can reduce up to 47% of childhood diarrhoea and 23% of respiratory infections, but it is still not practiced as widely as it should be.
Speaking about the initiative, Anele Nzimande, PR Lead for Beauty and Wellness at Unilever Southern Africa, said as the world recovers from the pandemic, the importance of hand hygiene remains a critical defence against the spread of diseases.
“Handwashing is an essential practice, and with this campaign, we aim to keep it top of mind for the next generation, even as global conversations shift. Through our interactive and AI-powered approach, we are helping children connect hygiene with fun — ensuring that healthy habits become part of their daily lives.
“This initiative reflects Lifebuoy’s enduring commitment to not only promoting health and well-being but also driving real behavioural change through innovation,” said Nzimande.
She also highlighted that by weaving playful learning into daily routines, they were helping to shape a healthier future for children everywhere, one handwash at a time.
The introduction of AI-Teacher Hippo expands upon the 2020 debut of Lifebuoy’s wildly popular “H for Handwashing” campaign.
It is revealed that since its inception, the brand has reached over 14 million children across 30 000 schools in key markets like South Africa, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
The campaign’s real-life educational ambassador, Hlubi the Happy Handwashing Hippo, will be brought to life in classrooms and communities, enhancing its impact and ensuring children worldwide have access to this engaging and educational experience.
The Star