In commemoration of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day, Dettol, Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting hand hygiene and advancing health practices nationwide by partnering with the Federal Government, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and two of its WASH Access Accelerator beneficiaries: Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads.
According to the UNICEF WASHNORM report, 23 percent of Nigerians do not have access to basic water supply services, and only 10 percent of the population have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services combined. This significant gap contributes to the spread of preventable diseases, highlighting the urgent need for improved handwashing practices and overall hygiene education across the country. To address this, Dettol continues to drive awareness and action through strategic partnerships.
Under this year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” Dettol has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to increase public education on the life-saving importance of hand hygiene. Minister Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reiterated the significance of hand hygiene in combating disease and its crucial role in promoting public health at the commemoration event in Abuja on 15 October 2024. He said, “As we reflect on the importance of Global Handwashing Day, we are reminded that hand hygiene is essential to preventing infectious diseases. Recent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for proper hygiene and access to safe water. It is through a sustained focus on promoting handwashing and improving sanitation that we can protect public health and secure the wellbeing of our citizens.”
Delivering the goodwill message, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt sub-Saharan Africa said, “At Dettol, we believe clean hands are the first line of defence against preventable diseases and we believe that access to quality hygiene and health solutions should be a fundamental right for everyone and not a privilege for some. From inception in 2021 to date, through our Hygiene Quest Curriculum, we have reached over 300,000 individuals, including school children, community members, and pregnant and lactating mothers in healthcare facilities. This achievement shows our firm commitment to not only educate but also provide the tools needed to promote a healthier Nigeria.”
As part of Dettol’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges through its Fight for Access Accelerator (FFA) programme, the brand has strengthened ongoing partnerships with two social enterprises – Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads. Together, they educated school children on the importance of handwashing and demonstrated proper handwashing techniques. This collaboration furthers Dettol’s mission to promote hygiene and health while empowering local communities by providing access to essential hygiene products and education.