The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) proudly reflects on the recent visit of Reckitt’s CEO, Kris Licht, and his team to Nigeria, highlighting the impact and substantial achievements made during Phase 1 of their partnership program, Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) program for Schools, Healthcare Facilities, and Communities. This visit not only recognized the significant strides made but also set targets for Phase 2, aimed at improving public health outcomes and hygiene practices across Nigeria.
In Phase 1, the program covered 92 schools, 96 communities, and 35 healthcare facilities. The impact was remarkable, surpassing initial targets of 9,321 school students (exceeding the target of 9,200), 8,128 community members (surpassing the target of 7,000), and 25,835 mothers in healthcare facilities (beyond the target of 25,000).
Phase 2, the program is expanding its reach significantly. The targets for Phase 2 include reaching 620 schools, with 200 in Lagos, 120 in Abuja, and 300 in Kwara. Additionally, it will cover 360 communities, distributing evenly at 120 per state, and 36 healthcare facilities, with 12 per state. This phase intends to benefit a substantial number of beneficiaries, targeting 248,000 school children, 28,200 community members, and 48,000 mothers in healthcare facilities.
During the visit, the partnering organizations toured Model Primary School in Maitama, Abuja, one of the 620 implementing schools for the Dettol Hygiene Quest program. This program, which focuses on instilling crucial health and hygiene practices among students, is facilitated by WBFA midwives and nurse educators. Students are guided in proper handwashing techniques while ensuring the constant use of handwash stations available.
Mr. Kris Licht praised the students for their knowledge and emphasized the importance of consistent hand hygiene. HE Mrs.Saraki also shared her inspiration for the WASH program, reaffirming WBFA’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaching 6 million children by 2023.
Following the school visit, WBFA and the Reckitt team met with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria to strengthen collaborative efforts in addressing public health challenges, emphasizing their dedication to driving significant health improvements.
Mr. Kris Licht and HE Mrs. Saraki also met with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, before celebrating Reckitt’s Agbara Factory in Ogun State’s 44th anniversary in producing essential health and hygiene products.
The Reckitt Global CEO Delegation visit to Nigeria concluded with a Social Impact Stakeholders Dinner ceremony in Lagos, attended by key figures, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, celebrating the successful partnership. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the organizations’ efforts and reiterated Lagos State’s support for educating 10 million school children by 2035.
The dinner ceremony acknowledged outstanding innovators and highlighted committed social impact initiatives, including the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and Dettol Hygiene Quest Program supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria Clean Naija Campaign, implemented by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, for its leadership role in promoting water and sanitation hygiene education for a cleaner healthier nation
