Hygiene

Hygienic practices are often neglected in Nigeria and this goes with a popular belief that “dirty does not kill a black man”. Deaths that occur because of unhygienic practices are most times attributed to witchcraft or traditional beliefs. Women and children are the most vulnerable to the effects of unhygienic practices.

In rural areas where poverty level is high, it is common practice for women and girls to use old clothes or rags as sanitary material during menstruation. This exposes them to several diseases. Knowledge about menstrual hygiene management is usually poor in such regions and the girls are shy to talk about it.  

Many people in Nigeria consider Handwashing to be a waste of time. Where it is been practiced, it is done without soap. Most schools and public institutions lack adequate hand washing facilities.

There is an inextricable link between water, sanitation and hygiene. The targets of water and sanitation cannot be met without proper attention to hygiene. Hence, it is important that stakeholders in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, pay close attention to ensuring adequate hygiene facilities in schools, public institutions and rural communities.   

Hope Spring Water operations in Nigeria is targeted at improving hygienic conditions in the country, especially in rural areas, through workshops on menstrual hygiene management, life skill-based hygiene education and behavioural change workshops across the country.