As the world confronts evolving public health challenges, robust hygiene measures are more critical than ever, particularly in developing nations where millions still lack access to basic hygiene essentials, fueling the spread of preventable diseases. According to UNICEF, 2 billion people worldwide still lack basic hygiene services, with 653 million having no handwashing facilities at all. In Nigeria, the situation is equally concerning, where three in five Nigerians lack basic handwashing facilities at home to protect against infectious diseases, and only about 16% of Nigerians have access to these essential facilities at home.
This shortage significantly contributes to a high mortality rate, with 1.4 million deaths globally, including nearly 400,000 children under five. As such, this stark reality highlights how simple hygiene practices such as handwashing serve as a vital public health tool, and act as a frontline defence against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and diseases like cholera. Tackling these pressing health challenges demands not only innovative products but also a holistic approach that integrates education, access, and advocacy.
Dettol, Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, has been at the forefront of this hygiene crisis, continuously addressing it through its Clean Naija mission. Dettol tackles systemic hygiene issues in urban and rural areas with a comprehensive strategy rooted in the pillars of Trust, Efficacy, and Education. The brand’s initiatives foster lasting hygiene habits, ensuring even the underserved are empowered with the resources and knowledge needed to improve public health outcomes across the country.
This continuous commitment to hygiene and public health inspired the series of events commemorating the 2024 Global Handwashing Day (GHWD), during which Dettol collaborated with its stakeholders to raise awareness and promote life-saving hygiene practices. The brand played a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of hand hygiene at the Federal Government’s recent commemoration event in Abuja held on October 15, 2024. Themed “Why are Clean Hands Still Important”, the event served as a major call to action, emphasising the urgent need for improved hygiene practices nationwide.
In further recognition of the 2024 GHWD, Dettol continued its longstanding partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) through Dettol’s Hygiene Quest programme— where the brand promotes hygiene education across Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara states. In commemoration of GHWD, Dettol and WBFA held an educative outreach at Salvation Army Primary School in Agbara, Ogun State, where Dettol led handwashing demonstrations and sensitisation efforts. Distinguished guests in attendance included HRM Olori Adeola Agunbiade, the Olori Alagbara of Agbara, who represented the founder and president of the WBFA, Her Excellency Toyin Ojora Saraki.
The brand’s impressive impact is anchored in its data-driven approach, most notably through the Hygiene Quest programme. In 2024 alone, the initiative directly reached over 250,000 individuals, including schoolchildren, pregnant and lactating mothers, and community members. More than 2 million people have also been indirectly impacted through strategic outreach and educational campaigns. As part of Dettol’s Clean Naija campaign, the Hygiene Quest programme plays a crucial role in fostering healthy habits and improving hygiene standards nationwide, aligning with global efforts to combat preventable diseases.
Dettol’s broader commitment to addressing Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) challenges was further exemplified by its ongoing partnership with social enterprises, Kiddies N Brands and Alora Pad, under the WASH Access Accelerator programme. This collaboration, a key part of Dettol’s 2024 GHWD commemoration, educated schoolchildren on the importance of handwashing and demonstrated proper techniques. These efforts reinforce Dettol’s mission to promote hygiene and health while empowering local communities with access to essential hygiene products and education.
These initiatives have not gone unnoticed. During the Federal Government’s Global Handwashing Day commemorative event, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation recognised Dettol’s parent company, Reckitt, for its outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s WASH sector. Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, presented the prestigious award on behalf of Hon. Minister, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, acknowledging Dettol’s enduring commitment to improving public health in Nigeria.
Through its Clean Naija initiative, Dettol is well on its way to reaching 6 million schoolchildren by 2025. The brand’s impactful efforts are fostering a healthier and more resilient Nigeria, where clean hands save lives every day. With each handwash, the nation takes another step toward reducing illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections, improving public health outcomes for all.
