Environmental, health and education stakeholders have commended the Wellbeing Foundation Africa for amplifying hygiene via handwashing in Kwara State schools, communities and healthcare facilities.

 The stakeholders commended the foundation on Wednesday in Ilorin during the stakeholders’ meeting on accelerating the hygiene quest programme.

 Salimot Ahmed from the State Universal Basic Education Board who said the programme had reduced students’ absenteeism, called for its extension to other schools, especially in the rural areas.

 Hajarat Abdulhamid from Cottage Hospital, Adewole, said the initiative had changed the behavioural pattern of pregnant and lactating mothers, who now hold personal hygiene practice in high esteem.

 Mary Mustapha from the Ministry of Environment said the knowledge about hygiene had made people more conscious of their environment, ensuring it was neat and habitable.

UNESCO Desk Officer, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Taiye Odedeji, described the programme as impactful.

Mr Odedeji said it should be extended to schools with special needs; capturing people with disabilities.

 Muritala Salau from the Olofa’s palace in Offa said with the programme, there had been an improvement in the wellness of the people.

 He said those taught had not stopped spreading the message to others.

 Corroborating the claim, John Ogunkayode from Omu-Aran said members of the community not covered were looking forward to receiving the team.

 WBFA Director of Programming and Reporting, Williams Awotunde, said WBFA focused on handwashing, thus tackling one of the simplest yet most effective ways of preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

He said, “This project is not just about knowledge, but also about action, creating sustainable habits among school children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and community members. Additionally, we recognise that healthcare workers play a pivotal role in driving behaviour change, which is why this initiative incorporates capacity-building sessions called ‘TeachClean’ for these essential workers. By empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to enhance the ripple effect of this project’s impact throughout our communities.’’

 Mr Awotunde, represented by WBFA National Programme Manager, Kehinde Akinsola, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to hygiene and preventive care principles.

 He said the commitment would contribute to a healthier future for generations to come.

 Giving an overview of WBFA’s achievements in the second and third quarters, Mr Awotunde said it achieved almost 100 per cent of its set objectives, not including the fourth quarter report.

 He said 300 schools, 10 local governments and 12 facilities were targeted and almost all had been covered and impacted.

 The programme’s sponsor, Reckitt-Dettol, represented by the Territory Sales Manager, Nurudeen Musa, said the programme’s purpose was to instil handwashing in the people.

He said the people’s total well-being would affect their productivity; hence it should be prioritised.

(NAN)