Innovation doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel—it can mean using an existing tool or process in a new way or a new place. Innovations that reduce maternal and child deaths are of particular interest to USAID’s Global Health Bureau and to MCHIP, and the simple act of washing one’s hands can have a profound effect on health. As such, USAID and MCHIP are linking with Unilever and their Lifebuoy soap brand in a public-private partnership to reduce newborn deaths in developing countries.

To launch this exciting partnership, MCHIP hosted a reception at the Global Health Council 2011 meeting at the Omni Shorem Hotel in Washington, D.C. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and drinks, had an opportunity to meet others interested in water and sanitation projects, and learned about the new partnership through a panel presentation and question and answer session.

The panel was moderated by Lily Kak from USAID, and included Richard Greene (Director of the Health Office, USAID Global Health Bureau), Thomas Langan (Director of U.S. Government Relations and Public Affairs, Unilever), and Koki Agarwal (Executive Director, MCHIP). Each panelist shared their unique perspective on the need for and benefits of embarking on this new partnership, and attendees asked insightful and hardhitting questions following the remarks.

As discussed by the panel, the partnership will promote handwashing with soap among birth attendants and family members as a key evidence-based strategy to reduce newborn deaths. Langan discussed how the “Lifebuoy Way,” which emphasizes handwashing at five key occasions (before three daily meals, during daily bath, and immediately after visiting the toilet), has been tested through a randomized control trial over 41 weeks in Mumbia, India. The method was demonstrated as an effective means of reducing incidence of childhood diarrhea among under-fives in the intervention group.

With their past experience promoting behavior change and doing social marketing around soap, the involvement of Unilever and the Lifebuoy brand will be essential expertise in promoting handwashing among those who care for newborns.

All three panelists expressed their enthusiasm for this new partnership, and you can watch for further updates about the partnership on the MCHIP blog in the months to come. Photos from the event are posted on Facebook; while you’re there, don’t forget to “like” us to stay up-to-date on maternal, newborn and child health news and the work MCHIP is doing around the world!

To view the presentation from the evening, click here