Today marks the 63rd Universal Children’s Day. Established by the UN to raise awareness and draw attention to child welfare. Something that is so critical to the world today promoting international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. Looking back at how we can make a difference to our children’s lives, I thought what perfect timing to tell you about the work the Johnson’s Baby and Unjani Clinics’ are doing across South Africa.
In South Africa the majority of mothers are in rural areas and are either unaware of the importance of maintaining healthy skin or lack the resources required to look after their babies effectively. JOHNSON’S® Baby has partnered with Unjani Clinic’s on the “Healthy Skin Project”, helping to provide affordable healthcare across South Africa, Unjani is an initiative that aims to strengthen our healthcare systems in low-income and remote communities.
A few months ago I was fortunate enough to experience this partnership first hand. Together with the Johnson’s Baby Team we visited the Eersterust Unjani Clinic, to learn more about the partnership and speak to the mothers about their experiences and handed out blankets, beanies and bubbles.
Johnsons Baby and Unjani Clinics are empowering and supporting communities by setting up clinics in remote areas, training staff and educating residents on the importance of healthcare and how to take better care of baby’s skin.
I’ve spoken about how sensitive a newborn’s skin is here, and that babies lose moisture twice as fast as adults. It’s our first line of defence from infection; if a baby’s skin is not looked after it can lead to more serious infections or skin conditions. Couple this with a lack of resources and poor socio-economic conditions and it becomes even worse.
Unjani clinics are all community based and are much more convenient in terms of price, and location in comparison to some of the government institutions. We have all experienced or heard horror stories about the queue’s at government clinics. Unjani currently has over 30 clinics country-wide and has served over 323 000 patients!
With the Johnson’s Baby partnership, parents are educated on skin health and the nurses are equipped with educational tools to show patients. Parents also receive a free Johnson’s baby pack to use on their child. In addition Johnson’s Baby has given out a number of vouchers which can be redeemed at the clinic for vaccinations, consultations and wellness checks.
The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin project is celebrating Universal Children’s day by supporting every child’s right to healthy skin. How are you supporting Universal Children’s Day?
There is an African proverb that states, “It takes a village to raise a child”, if every single person on this earth focused on investing and caring more for our children, can you imagine the leaders we would raise?
Happy Universal Children’s Day!
I had no idea this was a thing but it sounds like a great way to raise awareness! I loved all the pictures and I love all the work you’re doing to bring attention to child care world wide ❤️ Thanks for sharing.