Dettol, one of Nigeria’s hygiene brand, has launched a nationwide campaign promoting regular hand and body hygiene to help curb the spread of infectious diseases across the country.
The initiative, tagged “Dettol Original 12-Hour Protection Challenge,” encourages Nigerians to share personal stories of how the brand has protected them and their families while reinforcing the importance of regular hygiene, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of waterborne diseases is higher.
Speaking during the hygiene awareness campaign, Marketing Director, Reckitt West Africa, Boma Harrison, said everyday activities expose Nigerians to germs, making consistent hygiene essential.
“Every day, Nigerians are exposed to germs as they commute, work, attend school and carry out their daily activities. The ‘12 Hour Protective Shield’ campaign is our way of reminding and encouraging people to make hygiene a consistent part of their everyday routines,” he said.
He added that encouraging regular hygiene habits would help Nigerians reduce their risk of infections and go about their daily activities with greater confidence.
According to him, the campaign also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the brand and Nigerian families by encouraging consumers to share personal stories of protection, care and healthy living.
The campaign centres on Dettol Original Antibacterial Bar Soap, which the company says provides up to 12 hours of antibacterial protection while supporting the skin’s natural defences.
The company said the campaign comes at a critical period as heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country have heightened concerns over outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases linked to poor hygiene and contaminated floodwater.
Citing the World Health Organisation, the company said proper hygiene practices can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 30 per cent and acute respiratory infections by up to 17 per cent, underscoring the vital role of good hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
For many years, Dettol has championed hygiene education and behaviour change initiatives across Nigeria, promoting simple preventive practices that reduce the transmission of germs.
The company affirmed that through the campaign, it hopes to strengthen public awareness about the importance of everyday hygiene while celebrating the role the brand has played in protecting generations of Nigerian families.
Public health trends in Nigeria show that seasonal flooding is often followed by a rise in waterborne diseases, driven by poor drainage systems, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
As communities continue to grapple with the impact of flooding, sustained public awareness and improved hygiene practices remain critical to preventing avoidable disease outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
