Stakeholders hail impact of hygiene programme in Kwara schools, others

Stakeholders in the education, health, and environment sectors in Kwara State have lauded the initiative aimed at amplifying hygiene in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities across the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting titled “Accelerating the Hygiene Quest (HQ) Programme in Kwara State,” organized by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in collaboration with Reckitt in Ilorin on Wednesday, the group—comprising health practitioners, education officials, and community leaders—stated that the initiative has changed behavioral patterns among lactating and pregnant women, improved school enrollment, and raised environmental awareness.

The Hygiene Quest Programme, which focuses on basic hygiene practices like handwashing, targets 300 schools, 10 local government areas, and 12 health facilities in the state, including persons with disabilities.

Mrs. Salimot Ahmed from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) noted that the introduction of the programme has reduced student absenteeism in the schools it covers and called for its extension to other schools, especially in rural areas.

Mrs. Hajarat Abdulhamid from Cottage Hospital, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, stated that the initiative has changed the behavior of pregnant women and lactating mothers, who now place a higher value on personal hygiene practices.

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Mary Mustapha from the Ministry of Environment explained that the increased knowledge about hygiene has made people more conscious of their surroundings, encouraging them to maintain clean and habitable environments.

The UNESCO Desk Officer from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mr. Taiye Odedeji, said the programme has been impactful since its introduction in schools, helping to “catch them young.” He further suggested that the programme should be expanded to include Schools for Special Needs, to better serve individuals with disabilities.

Alhaji Muritala Salau from the Olofa’s Palace in Offa emphasized that the programme has contributed to improving wellness in the community, as those who have been educated on hygiene continue to spread the message to others.

Elder John Ogunkayode from Omu-Aran corroborated this claim, mentioning that community members who were not initially covered are eagerly awaiting the team’s visit.

WBFA Director of Programming and Reporting, Mr. Williams Awotunde, said that by focusing on handwashing, WBFA tackles one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

“This project is not just about knowledge, but also about action—creating sustainable habits among schoolchildren, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and community members,” he said.

“Additionally, we recognize that healthcare workers play a pivotal role in driving behavior change, which is why this initiative incorporates capacity-building sessions called Teach Clean for these essential workers. By empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to enhance the ripple effect of this project’s impact throughout our communities.”

Mr. Awotunde, represented by Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, the WBFA National Programme Manager, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the principles of hygiene and preventive care, recognizing that these efforts will contribute to healthier futures for generations to come.

Mr. Akinsola, while giving an overview of WBFA’s achievements in the second and third quarters, reported that the organization had nearly achieved 100 percent of its set objectives, even without including the fourth-quarter report.

He added that 300 schools, 10 local governments, and 12 health facilities were targeted, and nearly all the set objectives had been successfully met.

Sponsor of the programme, Reckitt-Dettol, represented by Territory Sales Manager Mr. Nurudeen Musa, stated that the purpose of the programme is to instill handwashing practices in the population.

He emphasized that the overall well-being of citizens impacts their productivity, making it essential to prioritize hygiene for the benefit of all.