Carex, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has taken its hand hygiene campaign to schools across the state as part of activities marking this year’s Global Handwashing Day.

With the 2025 theme, “Be a Handwash Hero,” the initiative aimed to instil in pupils and students the importance of proper hand hygiene as a simple but powerful act that saves lives. Teams from Carex and the ministry visited several primary, junior, and senior secondary schools where they held interactive sessions and live handwashing demonstrations.

At the sessions, students were taught the correct 20-second handwashing technique, accompanied by songs and practical demonstrations. Many pupils pledged to become “handwashing heroes,” signifying their commitment to maintaining clean hands and promoting hygiene within their communities.

A representative of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources said the state government welcomed the partnership, noting that early education on hygiene was key to building healthier communities. “Good hygiene habits start early. When children understand the power of handwashing, they not only protect themselves but also their families and communities,” the official said.

Speaking on behalf of Carex, Dedun Ezichi, Head of Category at PZ Cussons, said the theme of this year’s celebration aligned with the company’s ongoing commitment to public health and hygiene. “The theme — Be a Handwash Hero — aligns perfectly with Carex’s mission. Every child who learns to wash their hands properly becomes a defender against germs, protecting not just themselves but their families and communities,” Ezichi said.

She added that the initiative forms part of Carex’s broader effort to help Nigerians adopt proper handwashing practices as a daily culture rather than an occasional act. Carex’s antibacterial products, she noted, are designed to make hygiene “simple, safe, and effective” for everyone.

The Global Handwashing Day campaign also reinforces Carex’s message that small actions can make a big difference. As the statement from the brand noted, “Heroes aren’t only found in comic books; they’re in every home, every school, and every hand that chooses to stay clean. When we wash our hands, we protect ourselves and others — and together, we win the war against germs.”

The outreach, which drew enthusiastic participation from students and teachers, underscores the growing partnership between the private sector and government agencies in promoting public health awareness across Lagos and Nigeria.