Dettol Expands Hygiene Education to 750 Ugandan Schools

Dettol has launched the third phase of its Hygiene Quest Initiative, a significant expansion of its efforts to instill better hygiene practices in Ugandan schools. This new phase will target an additional 750 schools nationwide, focusing on providing comprehensive hygiene education and practical handwashing skills to learners.

The initiative, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Education and Sports and CHIL Hygiene Centre, aims to elevate hygiene awareness and encourage the sustained adoption of proper handwashing techniques to combat infections.

Since its inception in 2024, the program has made a substantial impact, reaching over one million children and engaging 1,500 schools in regions including Gulu, Kampala, and Isingiro. The current phase is set to build upon this success by strengthening educational content, monitoring learning outcomes, and empowering schools to maintain hygiene standards independently.

Program delivery combines engaging classroom lessons, hands-on demonstrations, support for educators, and accessible educational materials. Reckitt’s country manager for Uganda, Bornface Shaka Onyari, emphasized the goal of extending the program’s reach while ensuring schools can sustain these vital practices long after the program’s direct support concludes.

An innovative aspect of the initiative is the integration of digital technology through the Keti AI-powered chatbot, which assists teachers in developing and delivering hygiene-focused lessons, making the education more interactive for students.

This phase also places a stronger emphasis on schools taking ownership of their hygiene standards. Organizers have observed increasing self-sufficiency in previous phases, with some schools investing in their own supplies to ensure continuity. The long-term success will be measured by the sustained practice of hygiene behaviors and the lasting impact on student health.

Representing the Vice President, Aisha Sekindi, the State Minister for Water, highlighted the need for community involvement in maintaining school sanitation facilities and ensuring that hygiene initiatives translate into lasting behavioral change, underscoring that success is defined by behavioral shifts and sustainable facilities, not just reach.

This expanded program underscores Dettol’s commitment to fostering healthier environments for Ugandan children by promoting essential hygiene habits that can extend into their homes and communities.

Source: Nile Post