6m children join WBFA, Reckitt hygiene campaign

August 27, 2025

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and Reckitt on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) programme across schools, hospitals, and communities — a push to ignite a nationwide hygiene revolution.

Speaking at a quarterly stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the partners disclosed that the initiative has directly reached more than 300,000 Nigerians and inspired over six million children nationwide to adopt hand-washing as a daily habit.

Currently active in Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara, the DHQ programme seeks to boost hand-washing rates by 20%, cut diarrhoea cases by 10%, and reduce school absenteeism from preventable illnesses. These targets align with Nigeria’s health priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founded in 2004 by H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, WBFA has championed maternal and child health, WASH programmes, and women’s empowerment across Africa. Reckitt, makers of Dettol, said the partnership reflects its mission to “protect, heal and nurture” while tackling public-health challenges in Nigeria.

The forum brought together officials from key ministries, civil-society leaders, healthcare professionals, and educators to assess achievements and map strategies for the programme’s next phase.

“The Dettol Hygiene Quest is a unique programme that places hygiene education at the heart of community health. Together, we can expand the reach and impact of this programme, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward better health and well-being.”

— Mr. Rasheed Yusuf, WBFA Director of Public Policy, Impact & Partnerships

Representing the Minister of Water Resources, Deputy Director of Hygiene, Mrs. Kogbara Ayuba, praised the foundation’s efforts, saying they complement government initiatives to end open defecation and achieve universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

In the FCT alone, Programme Lead Mr. Kelvin Agagbe said the initiative impacted 27,000 students, 10,532 pregnant and lactating mothers, and 3,683 community members this quarter.

“We have observed a significant reduction in diarrhoea and better toilet hygiene practices among mothers in our facility.”

— Mrs. Egbu Clementina, Chief Nursing Officer, Wuse District Hospital

Since inception, DHQ has reached 271,912 schoolchildren, 43,425 community members, and more than 104,000 pregnant and nursing mothers.

WBFA and Reckitt continue to work with government, health workers, and community leaders to accelerate progress on hygiene and public-health outcomes nationwide.