Kwara Government Praises Impact of Hygiene Programme in Schools and Communities
The Kwara State Government has lauded the transformative effects of the Hygiene Quest (HQ) Programme, an initiative targeting improved hygiene practices in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities across the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin on Wednesday, organized by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in collaboration with Reckitt, the state government highlighted the programme’s significant contributions to behavioral changes, particularly among schoolchildren, pregnant and lactating mothers, and healthcare workers.
Representing the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Moadiwo Kawu, Mr. Ndatsu Yisa Joshua reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative. He encouraged the foundation to promptly report any challenges encountered during the program’s implementation for swift intervention.
The HQ Programme, which emphasizes basic hygiene practices like handwashing, currently impacts 300 schools, 10 local government areas, and 12 healthcare facilities in Kwara. It also includes provisions for persons with disabilities.
WBFA’s Director of Programming and Reporting, Mr. William Awotunde, represented by the National Programs Manager, Kehinde Akinsola, underscored the importance of handwashing as a simple yet effective method to prevent diseases. He reiterated the foundation’s dedication to complementing government efforts, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities.
In its first year, the project aims to reach 620 students across Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara.
In Kwara State alone, 300 schools, 48,000 students were covered in 10 local government areas, and 12 healthcare facilities have been actively engaged. The healthcare workers have benefited from capacity-building sessions under the “Teach Clean” initiative.
These sessions provide critical tools and knowledge to enhance hygiene practices in medical settings, ensuring the program’s ripple effects extend beyond schools.
Akinsola emphasized that handwashing is a cost-effective tool to reduce germs and curb the spread of infections, urging the public to adopt it as a daily habit.
The Hygiene Quest Programme not only addresses immediate hygiene needs but also establishes a foundation for long-term public health improvements. By fostering a culture of cleanliness and awareness, the initiative is poised to create healthier communities throughout Kwara State and beyond.