Mumbai, Aug 7 (IANS): With the threat of leptospirosis and other diseases looming over the city, Mumbai's famous dabbawalas will deliver soaps and handwash to around 100,000 people next week, it was announced on Friday.

The targeted people will receive Bacter Shield Natural Germ Guard handwash and a soap along with their lunch boxes on August 12 across the city.

The drive is part of VVF India's mission to create monsoon health awareness and advocate '100 percent fun with 0 percent fear of falling sick' to promote the habit of washing hands before eating.

"Every morning, lakhs of Mumbai housewives prepare dabbas (tiffins) to protect their family members from falling ill by eating outside food.

"The Mumbai dabbawalas will partner with Bacter Shield to help housewives in this mission to inculcate healthy habits at home and outside," VVF India Ltd senior vice president Ashish Potdar said.

VVF, a 76-year-old MNC in chemicals and personal care products, had operations in 16 centres around the world.

Last December, the 5,000-strong tribe of dabbawalas were invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' to spread the message of cleanliness among their customers.