MADURAI: Focussing on the importance of inculcating hygiene practices among children, minister for school education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi launched the `Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme` across schools in the state on Wednesday.

"As per a survey in 2019, one child out of three below the age of five years old is malnourished. We need to ensure that no child in Tamil Nadu is malnourished and that is why the free breakfast scheme was introduced by CM MK Stalin. Our priority is to create a healthier and hygienic community," said the minister. Reckitt, under its campaign `Dettol Banega Swasth India` launched the programme, which is being implemented by Gramalaya, an NCO dedicated to promote water, sanitation, and hygiene. The programme aims at reaching out to three lakh children in 10 districts.

It focuses on sensitizing children about six critical occasions for hand-washing and will work towards instilling hygiene culture in them through sessions conducted by teachers. The teachers are trained in the curriculum by experts. Messages will be delivered through wall paintings, hygiene corners and a strong curriculum. S Damodaran, founder and CEO of Gramalaya, said that if every individual maintains good hygiene, spread of diseases and infections will be prevented to a great level. The minister also took part in the mass gathering of Tamil Nadu Bharat Scouts and Guides - South Zone 2022. Addressing the students, the minister highlighted the importance of such extracurricular activities to learn discipline and work towards betterment of society. Under the `My Stamp` scheme, an awareness postage stamp on Scouts and Guides movement was also released.