Dettol Banega Swasth India has been working for over a decade to improve public health across the nation, particularly emphasizing the well-being of marginalized communities. The initiative, a collaboration between Reckitt and NDTV, began in 2014 with the goal of supporting the Swachh Bharat Mission, and has since evolved into a comprehensive program promoting hygiene, health, and overall well-being, striving to leave no one behind. A key focus has been on empowering tribal communities through various targeted interventions.
One of the primary strategies employed by Dettol Banega Swasth India is to improve health and hygiene practices among tribal populations. This involves educating community members about basic healthcare knowledge, preventive care, and the benefits of modern medicine. The Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme, for example, uses a dedicated curriculum, games, and innovative tools like the Hygiene Olympiad to educate children on critical hygiene practices. In its second edition, the Hygiene Olympiad reached over 30 million children across India. The program sensitizes children about six critical occasions for handwashing, including after defecation and using toilets, before eating, before preparing and serving food, before feeding infants/children, and after coughing or sneezing during illness.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by tribal communities, Dettol Banega Swasth India tailors its approach to address specific needs. In Uttarakhand, the initiative partners with the Directorate of Tribal Welfare to empower students in tribal schools with health, hygiene, and digital education. Similarly, in Telangana, the Apollo Foundation and forest authorities collaborate to improve the lives of the Chenchu tribe. This includes raising hygiene awareness, providing geriatric nutrition clinics, and promoting menstrual hygiene education along with the distribution of reusable sanitary napkins.
The program also focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. The Arrjava initiative, for instance, works with indigenous tribal communities like the Chenchu to create locally sourced products, providing them with a means to earn a living. Many community members who previously worked as daily wage laborers now earn a more stable income after being trained through the Apollo Foundation’s green skilling program.
Dettol Banega Swasth India also recognizes the importance of empowering women within tribal communities. The "Gulabi Didis" initiative, for example, trains women from local indigenous populations to become community nutrition workers. These women play a crucial role in providing solutions for sustainable change in health and hygiene patterns, reaching out to local tribes and people who face challenges in seeking treatment.
The impact of Dettol Banega Swasth India extends beyond individual health and hygiene. By embedding these practices into the cultural fabric of communities, the initiative aims to create a lasting change. Dr. Ashwini Khasbage, Taluka Health Officer, Malegaon, noted a remarkable change in handwashing habits among tribal people in her area after years of dedicated effort.
Moreover, Dettol Banega Swasth India leverages technology to enhance its reach and impact. The Dettol Banega Swasth India interactive AI-based bot, available in multiple languages, provides hygiene education and personalized learning experiences. The initiative is also working to integrate gamification into STEM education through Dettol Hygiene Parks, which serve as hygiene-themed play areas for local communities.
Looking ahead, Dettol Banega Swasth India continues to evolve and adapt to address emerging challenges. The campaign actively participates in national and international events, such as the Maha Kumbh Mela and the World Economic Forum, to promote hygiene and health on a global scale. The initiative's commitment to "One World Hygiene" underscores its dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier future.
