WBFA Reports Only 37% of Nigerians Have Handwashing Access

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) reported that only 37 percent of Nigerian households have access to basic handwashing facilities with soap and water, raising concerns about the spread of preventable infections. Dr Osinachi Onyeoziri, the foundation’s Director of Programming and Reporting, made this statement during the 2026 Global Handwashing Day commemoration on October 15.

He highlighted that improved hand hygiene is a simple and cost-effective method for preventing infections and protecting public health. Citing the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Onyeoziri called for sustained hygiene education and improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, especially in schools and communities.

The event, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero,” involved students, teachers, government representatives, and development partners promoting proper handwashing practices. The WBFA, in partnership with Reckitt, has implemented the Dettol Hygiene Quest programme, reaching 443,595 people across various locations from 2022 to 2025, including training 5,000 healthcare workers in infection prevention.