As 2024 Global Handwashing Day approaches, Dettol has reinforced its commitment to improving hand hygiene nationwide by joining forces with the Federal Government, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and WASH Access Accelerator beneficiaries like Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads. This initiative comes in light of alarming statistics from the UNICEF WASHNORM report, which states that 23% of Nigerians lack access to basic water supply services. Furthermore, only 10% of the population enjoys both basic water and sanitation services. These deficits significantly contribute to the propagation of preventable diseases, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced handwashing practices and heightened hygiene education throughout Nigeria.
In response to these critical issues, Dettol is proactively raising awareness and prompting action through strategic partnerships aimed at improving health practices. The theme for this year’s Global Handwashing Day, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”, emphasizes the significance of hand hygiene. To bolster public education on this life-saving practice, Dettol has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, led by Mr. Joseph Terlumun Utsev. At an event held in Abuja, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, reiterated the vital role of hand hygiene in disease prevention and public health promotion, highlighting recent cholera outbreaks as a stark reminder of the need for improved hygiene and safe water access.
The importance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated, according to Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships at Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa. She emphasized that clean hands are the frontline defense against preventable diseases and asserted that access to quality hygiene and health solutions should be recognized as a fundamental right for all citizens. Since the launch of its Hygiene Quest Curriculum in 2021, Dettol has reached over 300,000 individuals, including schoolchildren, community members, and pregnant and lactating mothers in healthcare facilities, reflecting a commitment to educating and equipping communities with the necessary tools to promote health and hygiene.
Dettol’s ongoing collaboration with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa further amplifies its efforts in hygiene education through initiatives like the Clean Naija program. Recently, the team visited the Salvation Army Primary School in Agbara, Ogun State, where they educated students on the profound effects that proper handwashing techniques can have on public health and overall well-being. This hands-on approach reinforces Dettol’s belief that hygienic practices should be integrated into daily routines, particularly among the younger population who are essential in fostering a culture of hygiene.
The overarching message of Dettol’s initiatives is the collective responsibility to ensure a healthier Nigeria. With its partners, Dettol aims to build a future wherein effective hand hygiene and cleanliness are not just aspirational goals but attainable realities for all citizens. This commitment is strengthened by active community involvement and continued advocacy for hygiene education, forming the backbone of a national health strategy that prioritizes accessible hygiene solutions.
In conclusion, as Dettol prepares for Global Handwashing Day 2024, its efforts serve as a potent reminder of the essential role hand hygiene plays in disease prevention and public health. By collaborating with governmental bodies and local organizations, and by reaching diverse communities, Dettol is not only raising awareness but also actively facilitating the resources necessary for achieving greater hygiene standards. The goal is a collaborative endeavor, embracing the notion that health and hygiene are shared responsibilities vital to creating a cleaner, healthier Nigeria for all.
