Harpic harks on importance of better hygiene

Harpic, the toilet cleaning brand from Reckitt Benckiser, has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in commemorating the 2017 World Toilet Day.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), about 4.5 billion people live without a household toilet that safely disposes their waste, while approximately 315,000 children die every year through poor sanitation and unsafe water caused by diarrhoea.
In addition, a large number of women and children exposed to the risk of contracting infections due to lack of access to sanitation, which impacts on health, dignity, and safety.
The 2017 World Toilet Day, with theme “Waste Water,” focused on the link between sanitation and proper disposal of waste water, drawing the world’s attention to the importance of sanitation as a job opportunity while reducing open defecation and promoting better hygiene practices in the prevention of diseases, such as diarrhoea and toilet infections, especially in women and children.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai, emphasised the commitment of Harpic towards the World Toilet Day.
“Harpic, one of RB’s power brands, has consistently advocated the importance of having access to clean toilets. We have also said waste water, poor sanitation and issues like open defecation can create potential health problems, especially among women and children who are highly susceptible to infections and diarrhoea,” he stated.
He said over 80 per cent of all the waste water from homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused, polluting the environment, and losing valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials.
“Due to population growth, accelerated urbanisation and economic development, the quantity of waste water generated and its overall pollution effects are increasing globally,” he stated.
Representative of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Commissioner for the Environment, commissioned the renovated public toilets at Ojodu Berger to the joy of community members, travellers and artisans.
Over the years, Harpic has taken on the challenge of creating awareness and educating Nigerians on the importance of better hygiene practices and improved health through prevention of open defecation.
This year, the brand took the sensitisation on the treatment and proper disposal of sewage or waste water to Lagos Park, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.