On Monday I was invited to attend a luncheon in London for the launch of the Pampers-UNICEF ‘Gift of Life’ campaign. I was delighted to be asked in the first place, not only because I am great supporter of this very important campaign, but that a major brand such as Pampers recognises the important role that we dads play within the family, and the contribution that we make in this fast changing parenting world.

The campaign itself focuses on the “1 Pack =1 Vaccine” so during October, November and December, for every pack of Pampers nappies or wipes purchased with the “1 Pack = 1 Life-Saving Vaccine” logo, Pampers will fund UNICEF with 1 tetanus vaccine to help protect mother and baby in need.

Launched in 2006, the initiative has so far funded approximately 44 million vaccines from money raised in the UK & Ireland alone. This is the fourth year that Pampers has teamed up with UNICEF to raise money for life-saving tetanus vaccines.

As a parent I think you would agree that it is unacceptable that thousands of babies are dying because of newborn tetanus, a disease which is ‘easily’ preventable through an inexpensive vaccination. UNICEF’s partnership with Pampers helps protect millions of newborns and their mothers around the world from this life threatening disease helping them realise their right to a happy, healthy childhood.

UNICEF’s goal with Pampers’ vital support is to eliminate maternal and infant tetanus by 2012 through an extensive immunization programme.

So what can dads do? Simple really, for the months of October, November and December, all you have to do to help reach the target number of vaccines is to buy / switch to the specially marked Pampers nappies and / or wipes. 1 pack = 1 vaccine. If your child / children are out of nappies, you can still help by clicking: 1 download = 1 donation button Why not also consider a packet of wipes for the car?

Also in attendance at Monday’s lunch was the campaign’s ambassador, actress and mother-of-three, Natascha McElhone (see pic. with ‘smug dad’) who gave a harrowing account of her recent visit to Angola where she witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of tetanus and the poor conditions in which many mothers have to give birth in.

For further details of the campaign please visit here

Other Irish delegates in attendance were: Mummymaps, Manic Mammy and Hot Cross Mum

From the UK: Bringing up Charlie, Cafe Bebe, Babyccino, Rosie Scribble and New Mummy