Handwashing Day: Firms Intensify Hygiene Campaign In Lagos

As the world commemorates Global Hand washing Day, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has taken its hygiene awareness campaign to the Ijora community in Lagos, urging collective action against preventable diseases.

The campaign was in partnership with Dettol Nigeria.

Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on October 15 to promote one of the simplest and cost-effective ways to prevent diseases, washing hands with soap and water.

This year’s theme, “Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together,” brought together pupils, parents, teachers, and community leaders for a hands-on awareness exercise focused on proper handwashing techniques.

The director of Programming and Reporting at WBFA, Dr Osinachi Onyeoziri, expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler and the leadership of Ijora Kingdom for their unwavering support and hospitality.

He described their endorsement of the initiative as a reflection of true leadership and a commitment to community health.

Founded in 2004, WBFA is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and communities across Africa.

According to Onyeoziri, the foundation has reached over 400,000 individuals with hygiene education, including 280,000 students in more than 600 schools, over 113,000 women, and 47,000 community members across Lagos, Kwara, and Abuja.

“We are championing a movement that goes beyond just washing hands. We are building a culture of self-care, community care, and sustainable health practices that will protect generations to come,” Onyeoziri said.

He emphasised the urgency of the campaign, noting that millions of lives are lost each year to preventable diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, illnesses that could be avoided through proper hand hygiene.

“Children are especially vulnerable, and in communities like Ijora, access to consistent hygiene facilities and knowledge remains a challenge we must address together,” he added.

Also, the Brand Manager for Dettol Nigeria, Ayomide Bello, reinforced the brand’s commitment to public health, saying, “At Dettol, we believe that good hygiene is more than a habit, it is a right, a responsibility, and a collective commitment.”