As vaccine rates surge and the latest lockdowns become a distant memory, hygiene complacency is an increasing risk, which puts further strain on vulnerable communities. According to research conducted by Dettol on the hygiene habits of Australians in June 2021, only 1 in 3 Australian adults say they would practice good hand hygiene after sneezing or blowing their nose2, with 1 in 4 Australians saying they would still attend an important work meeting in person even if they were feeling unwell.

Most Australians will be helping to protect themselves with masks, and using hand sanitiser soaps, and antibacterial wipes, all of which help to ensure safe and hygienic habits when out in the community. But, for the 13.6% of the population living below the poverty line, access to hygiene essentials can be challenging4, leaving these communities more exposed to germs.

To support, Dettol is partnering with over 75 Australian charities, disadvantaged schools and community groups to distribute more than $7 million worth of hygiene products. The initiative is part of Dettol’s mission to close the hygiene gap in Australia. The donation of 2 million items of instant hand sanitiser and wipes will help to ensure vulnerable Australians have access to hygiene products as we re-emerge into the community.

Henry Turgoose, Marketing Director at Reckitt Health AU, says, “While Australia’s roadmap to reopen is on track, the pandemic is not yet over, and many of our most vulnerable communities are still in vital need of essential hygiene products, including the homeless, children and youth, people with disabilities, migrant and ethnic groups just to name a few.We must continue to raise awareness that in addition to vaccination, hand hygiene is a number one way to prevent the spread germs in the community. We’re proud to be able to offer our support to these communities to help them protect the ones they love, and themselves, through access to our hygiene products” adds Mr Turgoose.

To help provide some of the essential products needed for these communities, Dettol is working with Good360, a Not-for-Profit organisation that matches essential goods to the Australians who need them most. Alison Covington, Founder & Managing Director, from Good360 says, “We are a lucky country and because of this, it’s easy for many Australians to take for granted access to hygiene necessities like hand sanitisers, soaps and wipes. But during the pandemic, and now as we emerge from restrictions, we’re increasingly being asked by our vulnerable communities for support and advice about how to access these products.”

Mrs Covington shares, “Many Australians want to do the right thing and protect themselves and in turn their loved ones by maintaining good hygiene habits. These product donations from Dettol will not only empower our community to achieve this but will help them feel less vulnerable when asking for help.”