At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), our mission is to improve health outcomes and empower communities through education, advocacy, and direct action. In the first quarter of 2024, we made substantial progress in promoting hygiene practices across Kwara State, reaching 20 schools, 24 communities, and 12 healthcare facilities as part of our ongoing Hygiene Quest initiative.
In collaboration with Reckitt-Dettol, we recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting to assess the impact of our Hygiene Quest activities. This gathering was an opportunity to reflect on our successes and chart the course for the future. Our Programme Director, Dr. Francis Ogbise, represented by Programme Lead, Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, shared our plans to sustain these efforts by training selected students and teachers to establish Hygiene Clubs in schools. These clubs will play a vital role in ensuring the continuity and deepening of hygiene education within the school system.
The Hygiene Quest Programme, now entering its second phase (2024–2026), aims to involve 300 schools, reflecting our commitment to improving health outcomes for women, children, and infants. The first quarter of 2024 marked the beginning of this ambitious phase, where we evaluated our progress and prepared for the work ahead.
Our event brought together leaders from the education, environment, and health sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing hygiene practices in schools, communities, and health centers across Kwara State. We were joined by Mr. Musa Nurudeen, Territory Sales Manager for Reckitt-Dettol, who echoed our belief that hygiene education is a fundamental right, particularly for vulnerable women and children. Together, we are committed to ensuring that well-being is not just a privilege but a universal right.
As we continue our work, we recognize the importance of expanding our reach. Feedback from stakeholders like Mr. Muhammad Nasir from the Ministry of Water Resources highlighted the need to include out-of-school children and pregnant women in our programs. Mrs. Motunrayo Yahaya, Director of Nursing Services at Okelele Primary Health Care Centre, noted that since we launched the first phase of Hygiene Quest in 2022, there has been a significant reduction in cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, which has positively impacted maternal mortality rates.
To further support our efforts, we are advocating for the installation of handwashing stations in schools and the construction of public toilets across the state. We also emphasize the importance of involving teachers more directly in the program to lead by example for their students.
We are encouraged by the support of traditional leaders such as the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Oniganmo of Ganmo, Alhaji Kamaludeen Jimoh. They have stressed the importance of involving more community members in our programs to ensure sustainability and the ongoing impact of our work. Their insights on maintaining clean environments and establishing hygiene clubs within communities will help us extend our reach and deepen our impact.
As we move forward, we are committed to embracing a community-led approach to sanitation. By empowering communities to take ownership of their hygiene practices, we can ensure lasting change and healthier futures for all.
At WBFA, we believe that good hygiene is the foundation of health and well-being. Through our Hygiene Quest initiative, we are proud to be paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities across Kwara State, and we remain dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through our work. Together, we can build a future where well-being is truly for all.