By Doris Obinna
Nestlé Nigeria, in a demonstration of its commitment to public health and environmental wellness, launched its sixth consecutive nationwide clean-up and community sensitization campaign, strategically targeting Nigeria’s most densely populated markets. In partnership with the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and local governments, this initiative directly supports healthier living environments by tackling one of the most pressing threats to urban health: unmanaged waste and plastic pollution.
The campaign mobilized 516 Nestlé Cares volunteers across 11 high-traffic markets including Oke-Arin in Lagos, Utako in Abuja, and Mile 3 in Port Harcourt leading to the removal of 5,601 kilograms of solid waste and 379.2 kilograms of recyclable materials.
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Nestle in a statement stated that these clean-ups are more than just environmental efforts; “they are proactive public health interventions that help reduce the breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests, improve air and water quality, and raise awareness about the health risks of plastic pollution.”
Nestlé Nigeria’s Lead for Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, stated: “Clean and safe environments are foundational to good health. Our campaign aligns not only with the global theme of ‘Curbing Plastic Pollution’ for World Environment Day but also reinforces our broader vision of creating a waste-free and healthier future. Every action we take from waste collection to employee-led recycling is a step toward reducing the public health burden of environmental pollution.”
“Health experts have long highlighted the link between environmental hygiene and public health outcomes. Accumulated plastic and non-biodegradable waste often clogs drainage systems, leading to flooding, and serves as vectors for diseases like cholera, malaria, and typhoid. By physically removing waste and sensitizing local communities on responsible waste disposal, Nestlé’s initiative directly contributes to disease prevention and community wellness.”
Founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, Dr. Alex Akhigbe, emphasized the long-term health implications of the project: “This is not just about cleaning; it’s about healing our communities from the health hazards of neglect and pollution. Environmental health is public health, and our collaboration with Nestlé is rooted in the understanding that clean surroundings foster healthier lives.”
“Nestlé’s ongoing efforts include partnerships with recycling organizations like Wecyclers, Alef Recycling, and others to support a circular plastic economy. Through its Employee Plastics Collection Scheme (EPCS), the company has prevented 5,922 kg of plastic from ending up in landfills, and since 2019, over 61,000 metric tons of plastic waste have been retrieved through various initiatives mitigating long-term environmental and health risks.
“This multi-city campaign exemplifies how corporate responsibility can play a critical role in improving public health by addressing environmental determinants. By empowering employees, partnering with local organizations, and engaging communities, Nestlé Nigeria is contributing meaningfully to cleaner cities and healthier lives.
“With plastic waste reduction now firmly on Nigeria’s environmental and health agenda, initiatives like this may serve as blueprints for sustainable urban health interventions nationwide,” it disclosed further.
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