Reckitt expands hygiene transformation in Ugandan schools through Dettol hygiene quest curriculum

Reckitt, a global leader in hygiene, health, and nutrition, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving hygiene standards in schools through better facilities and impactful education.

Since last year, Reckitt, in partnership with Chil AI Lab—a leader in health and hygiene innovation—has been spearheading the Dettol Hygiene Quest Program, an initiative designed to instill lifelong hygiene habits among young learners in Uganda.

Phase One of the program in Uganda aims to benefit over 450,000 children and 750 schools, facilitated with the construction of 1,500 handwashing stations with each school receiving two handwashing facilities, and ensuring long-term positive outcomes for students, teachers, and communities.

“I could not be more proud for us at Chil AI Lab, partner with the best consumer products maker, Reckitt, to democratize handwashing for every school-going child in Uganda. Reckitt has not only been a good partner but also our investor through their WINFUND program,” said the CEO and Co-founder of Chil AI Lab, Dr Shamim Nabumma.

“At Reckitt, we believe every child deserves a clean and healthy learning environment. Through our initiatives, we are not just providing hygiene solutions but empowering Ugandan children and communities with the knowledge and resources to live healthier lives,” said Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs, Media & Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa.

Poor hygiene, particularly the lack of handwashing before meals, remains a significant health risk in schools. Many children share food during breaks without washing their hands, increasing the spread of diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which in turn affect school attendance and academic performance.

The Dettol Hygiene Quest Program is designed to tackle this issue by equipping children aged 5-8 years, along with their teachers and families, with practical knowledge on hygiene and sustainable sanitation practices.

Beyond schools, Reckitt continues to lead hygiene transformation in communities through various sanitation initiatives. In Kenya, through its Harpic brand, the company has built over 190 toilets in informal settlements, ensuring their long-term sustainability through proper waste management practices.

Harpic has also been at the forefront of sanitation awareness for the past five years through its Door-to-Door Program, which educates households on toilet hygiene, trains them on proper sanitation practices, and makes hygiene products more accessible by offering them at discounted prices.

Reckitt’s steadfast commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal consumer base in Uganda, with its brands consistently recognized for their reliability and effectiveness. This trust has been reinforced through the People’s Choice Awards, where Reckitt brands have dominated in recent years.

At the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, four of its flagship brands—Dettol, Harpic, Mortein, and JIK—were honored as the best in their respective categories. Dettol antibacterial soap was named Best Bathing Soap for the second consecutive year, reflecting its effectiveness and widespread popularity.

Harpic was recognized as the Best Toilet and Bathroom Sanitary Solution, while JIK bleach emerged as the top choice for stain removal and germ elimination, lauded for its ability to kill 99.9% of germs and viruses on household surfaces and fabrics.

“Ugandan consumers trust and love our products because we address their everyday needs using science-backed innovations and insights,” added Uzo-Ogbugh.

With a deep commitment to promoting hygiene education, community well-being, and product excellence, Reckitt continues to play a vital role in ensuring a healthier Uganda, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in hygiene and sanitation solutions.