The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our social impact partners, @hayatkimya and @reckittnigeria , commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with 150 schoolgirls from 11 schools across Lagos State.

Held under the theme “Her Health, Dignity, and Future: Investing in Girls Through Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the event aligned with the global call to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights, recognising that every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education, make informed decisions about her future and reach her full potential, free from early marriage and harmful practices.

Through interactive sessions on the menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene management and menstrual product selection, participants gained practical knowledge to understand their bodies, challenge misconceptions and manage their periods with confidence. The sessions were facilitated by our Lead Midwife, Mrs Eunice Akhigbe, and Director of Research and Grants, Dr Mojisola Alere.

The event also featured a spelling bee competition, providing an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. These competencies are central to our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) programme, which supports school success and lifelong learning, integrating essential WASH and infection prevention knowledge into the school experience. Recognition of outstanding students further celebrated their achievements, leadership and potential.

We extend our appreciation to our Founder and President, HE @ToyinSaraki, for her resounding goodwill message, and to our partners, Hayat Kimya and Reckitt, alongside the Lagos State Government and Education District V, for their support and commitment to creating enabling environments where girls can access accurate health information, protect their dignity and thrive in school and beyond.

#WBFA #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild

Nearly 1 in 7 people live with a mental health condition, yet many continue to face stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing appropriate support according to @who. The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” calls for people’s experiences to inform the policies, services and decisions that shape their mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly important, as fewer than 1 in 10 countries have fully transitioned from institutional care to community-based mental health services.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s MamaCare360 programme provides mental health education and support, creating opportunities for mothers to discuss their emotional wellbeing and receive appropriate guidance and referrals. The WBFA Postpartum Mental Health Checklist, embedded and validated within Nigeria’s National Mother and Child Health Handbook, supports the identification of mothers who may require additional care. Mothers of preterm babies also receive practical guidance and emotional support in the #NICU.

The WBFA – @dettolnigeria Hygiene Quest Programme promotes cleaner, safer and more dignified environments, recognising that inadequate sanitation can contribute to stigma, discomfort and emotional strain among children and adults.

Meaningful change requires effective policies, responsive systems and accessible services that recognise lived experiences and strengthen mental health support.

#WorldMentalHealthDay2026 #LivedExperiencesHeard

Every child’s opportunity to learn is shaped, in part, by the teacher standing before them. Yet the teaching profession faces growing pressures that make supporting, protecting and retaining teachers more important than ever.

According to UNESCO’s Global Report on Teachers, the world is projected to face a shortage of 44 million primary and secondary teachers by 2030, including a need for an additional 15 million teachers in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve global education targets. Teacher shortages can increase workloads, place additional pressure on education systems and affect the quality of learning.

World Teachers’ Day 2026 marks 60 years of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures,” this year’s observance calls attention to the need to recognise, protect and strengthen the teaching profession as it responds to a rapidly changing world.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa recognises teachers as important partners in shaping the future of students. Beyond the classroom, teachers play an integral role in fostering healthy character, positive behaviours and habits that can influence students throughout their lives. Through the WBFA-Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme, our Nurse Educators teach students practical WASH knowledge, including proper handwashing, personal hygiene, safe water practices, sanitation and responsible waste disposal. These lessons help students understand the importance of healthy hygiene practices and develop habits that can extend from the school environment into their homes and communities.

Standing with teachers means valuing their contribution, listening to their voices and creating the conditions that allow them to teach with dignity, confidence and purpose.

Today, we celebrate every teacher who continues to educate, inspire and shape the future - one learner at a time.

#WorldTeachersDay2026 #StandingWithTeachers

Pregnancy brings important physical changes, and staying active through safe, appropriate exercise can help women maintain strength, mobility and overall wellbeing throughout pregnancy.

In our MamaCare360 classes, WBFA midwives engage mothers with practical, hands-on guidance on pregnancy-safe exercises that can support muscle strength, flexibility, posture and physical comfort, while helping mothers prepare their bodies for the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

From gentle stretching and mobility exercises to activities that strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles, mothers are guided on movements that are appropriate for their stage of pregnancy and encouraged to understand when to stop and seek professional advice.

These sessions give mothers the opportunity to learn, practise and ask questions, building the confidence to incorporate safe physical activity into their pregnancy journey.

WBFA continues to equip mothers with practical guidance for healthier pregnancies and safer beginnings.

#FrontlineFriday #MamaCare360

Across Nigeria, the WBFA–Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest Programme is helping teenagers take an active role in promoting better Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices in their schools and communities.

Across each DHQ session, we promote proper handwashing and responsible hygiene practices while identifying teenagers within schools who can influence the behaviours of their peers. When young people understand the importance of WASH and take action, they can become important voices for healthier environments and stronger hygiene practices.

We believe that when teenagers lead by example, this peer-led approach can strengthen hygiene awareness, encourage greater responsiveness to #WASH needs and support cleaner, healthier school environments.

The WBFA – @dettolnigeria Hygiene Quest Programme places young people at the centre of this action, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to promote better hygiene practices among their peers and within their schools.

#TeachingTuesday #DettolHygieneQuest