As part of its ongoing support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, leading global hygiene and forest products company SCA, in partnership with the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), a United Nations entity devoted solely to the sanitation and hygiene needs of the most vulnerable people around the world, announced the launch of a joint research report on hygiene practices worldwide, the Hygiene Matters report. The initiative was established by SCA in 2008 to raise awareness of the connection between hygiene, health and wellbeing.
The latest edition of the Hygiene Matters report, which was launched during a special side session of the 71st United Nations General Assembly, is based on a survey with 12,000 respondents in 12 countries. The survey explores three themes: an economic perspective on the value of hygiene, a social perspective focused on taboos and stereotypes around hygiene and the role hygiene will play in social and economic development in emerging and developed markets in the future. The special side session during the General Assembly brought together stakeholders and influencers from around the world to provide recommendations for policymakers in both developed and developing countries to address hygiene challenges meaningfully and systematically. Since 2008, SCA has conducted a total of five surveys to gather insights about global hygiene perceptions, issues and behaviors to contribute to a knowledge-based public debate with the goal of improving hygiene for people everywhere and breaking taboos around incontinence and menstruation.
“SCA offers hygiene products that make life easier for millions of people around the world. We share our expertise and educate on the importance of good hygiene practices and engage in activities across the globe such as educating young women about menstruation and children about the importance of proper hand hygiene. In 2014, WSSCC and SCA started working together to break the silence on Menstrual Hygiene Management, a partnership that has evolved and now includes the entire human life cycle. Today, we’re announcing the next step in our efforts to raise hygiene standards globally,” said Magnus Groth, president and CEO, SCA.
“Partnerships are one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and by pairing WSSCC’s technical expertise on sanitation and hygiene issues in developing countries with SCA’s global brands, knowledge and commitment to sustainability, education and innovation, we will increase awareness around taboos surrounding personal hygiene and make a meaningful difference,” Groth adds.
“Public-private partnerships are essential to global progress related to personal hygiene,” said Amina Mohammed, chair of WSSCC. “By working together, we can more effectively inspire decision-makers and champions to act, whether on policy, practice or even advocating for hygiene.”
With the launch of the Hygiene Matters report, SCA and WSSCC continue a global conversation around hygiene issues and opportunities across organizations, sectors and countries, sharing successes and opening the dialogue on personal hygiene.
The Guardians of Animal Health: Who Are Veterinary Infection Preventionists?
March 21st 2025Veterinary infection control experts Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Denise Waiting, LVT, and Leslie Landis, LVT, BS, discuss challenges, zoonotic disease risks, and the importance of education, collaboration, and resource development in animal care facilities.
The Latest on CLABSIs and CAUTIs: Evidence-Based Approaches for Infection Prevention
February 27th 2025Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.
Resilience and Innovation: The Pivotal Contributions of Black Americans to Health Care and Medicine
February 24th 2025During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.