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In an interview, Nitish Gupta, Managing Director Southeast Asia and General Manager Vietnam at Kimberly-Clark, discussed the rationale behind the initiative and its role in supporting long-term human development.

Kimberly-Clark Vietnam has entered a new phase of partnership with UNICEF, with a stronger focus on maternal, newborn and adolescent girls’ health. What does this expanded commitment represent for the company?

For Kimberly-Clark, this partnership builds on our long-standing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of women, children and families.

Through the Kimberly-Clark Foundation, we have committed US$2.05 million to support UNICEF’s efforts to expand access to essential health services for an estimated 3.8 million mothers, newborns and adolescent girls in Vietnam. The contribution is twice the amount provided during the previous phase of cooperation.

The initiative reflects our belief that investments in maternal health, newborn care and menstrual health can contribute to healthier families and communities. These areas are closely linked to broader social and human development outcomes.

How does this partnership with UNICEF connect with the company’s broader purpose?

Our products are used during important stages of life, from infancy and early childhood to women’s health and family care. That connection shapes our corporate purpose, which is reflected in the principle of “Better Care for a Better World.”

Brands such as Huggies and Kotex are closely associated with mothers, children and women. The partnership with UNICEF aligns with this focus by supporting access to health information, essential services and care practices for women and young people.

It also contributes to wider discussions around maternal health, newborn care and menstrual health, which remain important public health issues in many communities.

Why does Kimberly-Clark see Vietnam’s healthcare progress as an area where the private sector can contribute?

Maternal health, newborn care and adolescent girls’ health are closely linked to human development and social equity.

The earliest stages of life have a significant influence on long-term health outcomes. Access to timely care, particularly for premature babies or newborns experiencing complications, can make a substantial difference.

At the same time, women and adolescent girls may face barriers in accessing health information, services and supportive environments. Menstrual health, for example, remains a topic that is sometimes affected by stigma or limited awareness.

Supporting mothers, newborns and girls can help strengthen families and communities. These efforts contribute to the development of human capital and broader social well-being.

The partnership program contributes to improving maternal and child healthcare in disadvantaged areas and mountainous provinces. Photo courtesy of UNICEF Vietnam

What have the results shown about the potential of structured partnerships with UNICEF?

According to the partnership’s reported results, by 2024 the collaboration had reached more than 860,000 children in Vietnam.

The program supported care for more than 74,000 newborns delivered by caesarean section, provided assistance to more than 1,500 premature infants through Kangaroo Mother Care, and contributed to emergency care for more than 200 newborns.

Beyond the numbers, the objective is to improve the quality of care available to mothers and children. Early interventions can have lasting effects on a child’s health and development.

The partnership has also supported the implementation of Ministry of Health guidelines to child healthcare and worked to strengthen healthcare systems and professional capacity.

Over the next three years, the partnership aims to support millions of mothers, newborns and adolescent girls. What are the main priorities of this phase?

The next phase will focus on programs in Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Dien Bien and Lai Chau, where maternal and child health indicators remain below national averages.

Priority areas include expanding Kangaroo Mother Care for premature and low-birth-weight infants, improving healthcare services for adolescent mothers, and providing menstrual health education for women and girls.

The program will also include training for teachers and healthcare workers to help ensure that health information and support are available in schools and communities.

UNICEF contributes technical expertise, implementation experience and monitoring frameworks, while Kimberly-Clark provides financial support and long-term engagement.

Together, these elements help create a structured approach to implementation, evaluation and accountability.

Premature babies in Dien Bien benefited from the Kangaroo Mother Care program implemented by UNICEF with funding supported from Kimberly-Clark. Photo courtesy of UNICEF Vietnam

What does this partnership say about Kimberly-Clark’s approach to responsible business leadership?

We believe responsible business leadership involves identifying areas where a company can contribute meaningfully based on its expertise, resources and purpose.

Because our business is closely connected to the needs of women, children and families, supporting maternal health, newborn care and adolescent girls’ well-being is a natural extension of that focus.

Through brands such as Huggies and Kotex, we engage with issues to child development and women’s health. The partnership with UNICEF enables us to support these areas through programs that are aligned with our values and long-term commitments.

For us, responsible leadership means using our resources and experience to support stronger healthcare systems, improve access to care and contribute to better outcomes for women, children and families.