WBFA, Reckitt convene stakeholders to drive handwashing culture and public health goals in Nigeria
August 27, 2025
By Eunice Orike
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Reckitt, convened the quarterly stakeholder meeting of the Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) programme in Abuja, bringing together representatives from government agencies, civil society, schools, and healthcare facilities to assess progress and plan next steps in strengthening hygiene education across Nigeria.
According to WBFA’s digital communications and design manager, Daniel Enebe, since its launch the DHQ programme has made significant strides in advancing public health goals through behaviour-change campaigns in Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara States. To date, it has directly reached over 300,000 people — including 271,912 students, 43,425 community members, and 104,239 nursing and pregnant women — while indirectly influencing more than six million schoolchildren to adopt consistent handwashing habits.
The programme sets ambitious targets: a 20% increase in handwashing frequency, a 10% reduction in diarrhoea cases, and a 10% cut in school absenteeism linked to preventable illnesses — aligning with Nigeria’s national health priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Dettol Hygiene Quest places hygiene education at the heart of community health. It equips children, women, and families with knowledge and habits that protect against preventable diseases. Our progress depends on collective effort, and we are grateful to government partners, healthcare workers, and community leaders for their continued dedication.”
— Mr. Rasheed Yusuf, WBFA Director of Public Policy, Impact, and Partnerships
Representing the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Deputy Director of Hygiene Mrs. Kogbara Ayuba delivered a goodwill message from the Minister, commending WBFA for consistent advocacy and action in promoting handwashing and community wellbeing, particularly in schools and grassroots communities — efforts that complement the ministry’s drive to end open defecation and achieve universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Sharing quarterly impact figures, FCT programme lead Mr. Kelvin Agagbe noted that in Abuja alone DHQ reached 27,000 students, 10,532 pregnant and lactating mothers, and 3,683 community members. The session provided updates, exchanged insights, and gathered feedback to refine implementation.
“We have recorded a significant reduction in diarrhoea cases and improved toilet hygiene practices among mothers in our facility.”
— Mrs. Egbu Clementina, Chief Nursing Officer, Wuse District Hospital
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to deepen community engagement, embed hygiene education in schools and health facilities, and drive sustainable practices with long-term health benefits. Through the WBFA–Reckitt partnership, stakeholders aim to accelerate progress in reducing preventable diseases, strengthening health systems, and enhancing quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
About the partners: Founded in 2004 by H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa works to improve health outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa through maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programmes, WASH advocacy, and women’s empowerment. Reckitt is a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, with brands including Dettol, Lysol, and Durex, partnering worldwide to deliver sustainable health impact through education and innovation.