Heart of the matter: Unilever and Nawaloka in landmark partnership

Unilever Sri Lanka, in partnership with Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, is stepping up to the plate to spearhead a penetrative awareness programme on preventing heart diseases in Sri Lanka with the appropriate use of dietary fats. This was in response to research which shows that cardiovascular and related diseases fast becoming the number one killer in Sri Lanka. This alarming fact is attributed largely to the lack of information available to the general public on the dangers of leading unhealthy lifestyles that ultimately result in heart disease.

Named “Flora Hadaridma” this ‘healthy heart’ programme will focus on creating awareness on food, work, exercise, stress reduction and other general healthy lifestyle tips. Unilever through their brand Flora will partner Nawaloka hospital to address all the pivotal levels of controlling heart disease, so that Sri Lankans will begin to make more informed choices on how best to care for their heart. Doctors of Nawaloka hospital will join Unilever in informing the public on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Education on how simple lifestyle changes can prevent the incidence of Heart disease and how such preventive measures are far easier to adopt than the recovery process that follows heart disease.

Prof. Lal Chandrasena, Director and General Manager of Nawaloka Hospitals PLC had this to say “It is with great pride that we announce this partnership to promote a healthy heart with the Unilever. Nawaloka has long been recognised as a hospital that provides superior healthcare especially in relation to cardiac services. Sri Lankans need to wake up to reality. Heart diseases and related conditions are taken a high toll of human lives and can no longer be ignored. We hope that this partnership and its resulting activities will spread the message of ‘heart health’ throughout Sri Lanka”.

These sentiments were echoed by Surith Perera, Director Foods of Unilever Sri Lanka, who emphasised Unilever through its brand Flora is committed to heart health “Flora is internationally renowned for its commitment to heart health. The product is proven to aid in heart health and as such is a brand that has won the trust and respect of consumers’ worldwide. Awareness campaigns go beyond sporting ribbons or parading slogans – they are about effectively communicating a life-changing message. With the ‘Flora Hadaridma’ campaign we will communicate a message that heart disease is preventable and will galvanize all Sri Lankans to save their hearts and protect themselves from falling victim to the number one killer in our country. ”

The Flora Hadaridma campaign will focus on reaching as many people as possible, as fast as possible. This will be primarily achieved through a series of TV programmes that will be aired on ITN. These programmes will include, amongst others, simple and yet useful tips from leading cardiologists on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle and nutritious recipes from two of the country’s most renowned chefs of Galadari Hotel.

The campaign will also include an office awareness segment where education programs will be conducted in a number of selected work places in the hope of infusing the stress-driven corporate world with the buzz of ‘heart healthy’ living. The Flora Hadaridma campaign will underpin its message through leading medical personnel from Nawaloka hospital and the renowned credibility of Unilever’s own heart brand, Flora.

About Flora
Flora is one of the principal products in Unilever’s global portfolio that focuses on eating and living well to improve heart health. In Sri Lanka, Flora worked with the Sri Lanka Heart Association. Today, Flora foods still keep up to date with the latest research on diet and heart health. Flora’s polyunsaturated spread is virtually trans-fat free and includes Omega 3 & 6 oils, vitamins E, B6, B12 and folic acid, all of which are ideal for optimum heart care.

Flora’s pivotal role in heart care awareness around the world is manifested not just in education programmes or sporting ventures like the ‘first London Marathon’ or community projects like the Flora ‘Fit Street’ campaign, but also in the credibility it has won for its nutrition, not to mention its ‘message’; Flora was voted the most trusted margarine/butter in the UK in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey a few years ago, and since its inception over forty years ago, has contributed to championing the Unilever sense of commitment and social responsibility to its customers.