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.
The key to overcoming this challenge lies in effective education. To make hygiene education more engaging and accessible, Lifebuoy is harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize hygiene education for the next generation. Launching in recognition of Global Handwashing Day on 15 October, Lifebuoy is introducing the AI-Teacher Hippo – a one-of-its-kind AI-driven, interactive tool designed to make handwashing education more engaging and personalized for children.
Ahead of Global Handwashing Day, Lifebuoy is also reaching out to the community through a collaboration with the Department of Health, further amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact. This partnership aims to ensure that hygiene education reaches as many children as possible, empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to stay healthy.
“As the world recovers from the pandemic, the importance of hand hygiene remains a critical defence against the spread of diseases,” said Anele Nzimande, PR Lead for Beauty and Wellness at Unilever Southern Africa. “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.”
Designed for children, AI-Teacher Hippo offers personalized handwashing songs, interactive games, and colouring activities that make learning about hygiene both enjoyable and effective. Research has proven that games, songs, and colouring enhance learning by creating memorable, multi-sensory experiences that reinforce hand hygiene habits and make learning fun for children.
“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. “By weaving playful learning into daily routines, we are helping to shape a healthier future for children everywhere, one handwash at a time.”
The launch of AI-Teacher Hippo builds on Lifebuoy’s highly successful ‘H for Handwashing’ movement, launched in 2020. In collaboration with local schools, teachers, health experts and ministries of education and health, Lifebuoy has made significant strides in advocating for hand hygiene education to be integrated into school curricula worldwide. Since its inception, Lifebuoy has reached over 14 million children across 30,000 schools in key markets like South Africa, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
As part of this initiative, the campaign’s real-life educational ambassador, Hlubi the Happy Handwashing Hippo, will also be brought to life in classrooms and communities, further enhancing its impact on the ground. This will help ensure that children everywhere have access to this engaging and educational experience.
By making hygiene fun and relatable, Lifebuoy is helping children develop lifelong healthy habits. Discover more about this exciting initiative and join the handwashing revolution at https://hforhandwashing.lifebuoy.com/desktop?mkt=ZA
