Nigerian schools are emerging as critical platforms for teaching life-saving hygiene practices, with reports alleging that only 26.5 per cent of Nigerians have access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities.
However, the Well-being Foundation Africa (WBFA), in partnership with Dettol Nigeria, is spearheading an effort through the Hygiene Quest programme, which delivers structured WASH education directly into classrooms, to combat this challenge.
According to UNICEF, 73 per cent of the global diarrhoeal and enteric disease burden is linked to poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, with children being the most vulnerable. Frequent illnesses not only disrupt learning through absenteeism but also fuel malnutrition, compounding educational challenges.
The Hygiene Quest initiative trains pupils on proper handwashing, using clean water, applying soap correctly, and drying effectively. Beyond personal protection, the programme positions pupils as “hygiene ambassadors,” tasked with spreading these practices to their families and communities.
“By embedding hygiene education into the school environment, we are not only safeguarding children’s health but also ensuring they stay in class and learn,” WBFA noted.
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