Approximately 42,000 people in underserved communities across more than 20 districts are expected to benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Friendship to strengthen health and hygiene awareness and improve access to essential hygiene solutions.
The partnership will run until 31 December, 2027, and covers community engagement, awareness building and improved access to essential products.
The districts covered include Satkhira, Shyamnagar, Kushtia, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Khulna, Bagerhat, Mongla, Barishal, Lakshmipur, Jamalpur, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, South Surma, Chandpur, Habiganj, Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Bogura, Kurigram and Pabna.
Implementation will be supported by a network of 690 Friendship Community Medicaides (FCMs) working directly with local communities. They will deliver health and hygiene education and facilitate access to essential hygiene products, including detergent powder, laundry soap, dishwashing bars, toilet cleaners, toothpaste, bathing soap and handwash.
The two organisations will raise awareness on health, hygiene, maternal and child well-being and preventive healthcare practices. The partnership will also support entrepreneurship development and capacity building for FCMs, alongside community outreach, regular monitoring and programme evaluation.
The MoU was signed on 23 September Unilever Bangladesh Director, Customer Strategy and Channel Excellence, Zeeshan Bayezid Rahman and Friendship Senior Director, Legal and Chief Financial Officer, Muhammad Shameem Reza on behalf of their respective organisations, said a press release on Tuesday.
