Martins Ifijeh
The Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust in partnership with Unilever Nigeria PLC recently distributed more than 58,000 bars of soap, 2,800 tubes of lotion, and 3,000 roll on deodorants to students in Lagos as part of their #ItStartsWithMe campaign. The campaign seeks to promote clean hands and encourage good hygiene among all Nigerians to help prevent the spread of disease.
In line with its commitment towards creating a bright future for all, manufacturing giant, Unilever Nigeria Plc donated these products to DRASA in support of the hygiene awareness campaign.
Donating these items, the External Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Mr. Tomiwa Asaolu, noted the commitment of the company towards advancing the lives of Nigerians by szdelivering brands that help improve health and hygiene. Asaolu also commended the efforts of DRASA and other NGOs who are working tirelessly to ensure good health and hygiene become commonplace in Nigeria.
For the #ItStartsWithMe campaign, DRASA visited seven schools to educate more than 3,000 students on the importance of handwashing to prevent illness and improve personal health. The seven schools were Eletu Odibo Senior High School, International School Lagos, St. Saviours School, Greensprings School, British International School, Aiyetoro Senior Grammar School, and Lagos City Senior College. DRASA held interactive sessions with students at each school to demonstrate how germs and viruses spread, and teach students when and how to properly wash their hands.
DRASA’s Managing Director Niniola Soleye said, “When Ebola was in Nigeria, everyone was washing their hands. Sanitizer and soap were readily available but now it’s as if we’ve all forgotten why that was important. We’re doing this so students are reminded how they can stay healthy and so they can also become ambassadors to spread the handwashing and hygiene message to their own families and communities. And we’re focusing on youth for #ItStartsWithMe because it’s much easier to learn a habit such as washing your hands when you’re younger.”
“Handwashing is the simplest and most effective way of preventing the spread of diseases and dangerous viruses. Through the #ItStartsWithMe campaign, DRASA is committed to bringing good handwashing and hygiene habits back into our society and DRASA calls on everyone to join and support the campaign by donating on their website www.drasatrust.org/donate. The #ItStartsWithMe campaign will continue with additional school visits and will expand to reach other target groups for handwashing and hygiene including health facility staff and food service staff,” she added.
