A non-governmental organisation, United Way Greater Nigeria (UWGN), says unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) portends danger to the oral and overall wellbeing of children.
Deola Durodola, the Executive Director of UWGN, said this during a talk on dental care and personal hygiene held in commemoration of the 2022 Children’s Day celebration on Friday in Lagos.
Durodola made the remark during a visit to the Children’s School at the Oyingbo Destitute Home and the Salvation Army Nursery and Primary School, Okobaba Community in Lagos.
She said that improved access to WASH services could enhance health, life expectancy, student learning and gender equality.
According to her, good dental and personal hygiene is crucial for young children, saying it prevents illness.
Durodola who said that handwashing and brushing of teeth might seem like normal routines, however, noted that most people don’t know how to properly carry out these routines.
“That’s why we are sensitising the children,” she said.
Durodola said that the programme was done in partnership with the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) and Sweet Sensation Food Security Initiative (SSFOSI).
She commended NAPAC and SSFOSI for providing meals to all the children, noting that hunger hinders learning.